Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Ciba Specialty Chemicals

File:Ciba Specialty Chemicals logo.png
Company type	Public
Industry	Specialty Chemicals
Founded	1997
Defunct	2009
Fate	Acquired by BASF
Key people	Brendan Cummins (CEO)
Products	Additives, Coatings, Plastics, Water Treatment Chemicals
Revenue	CHF 5.9 billion (2008)
Number of employees	13,000 (2008)

Ciba Specialty Chemicals was a leading global company in the field of specialty chemicals, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. The company was formed in 1997 as a spin-off from the pharmaceutical giant Novartis, which itself was created from the merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. Ciba Specialty Chemicals was known for its innovative solutions in the areas of additives, coatings, plastics, and water treatment chemicals.

History

Ciba Specialty Chemicals was established in 1997 when Novartis decided to focus on pharmaceuticals and spun off its specialty chemicals division. The company quickly established itself as a leader in the specialty chemicals industry, leveraging its strong research and development capabilities.

In 2008, Ciba Specialty Chemicals faced financial difficulties due to the global economic downturn. In response, the company sought strategic alternatives, which led to its acquisition by BASF, a major player in the chemical industry, in 2009. The acquisition was completed in April 2009, and Ciba's operations were integrated into BASF's Performance Products division.

Products and Services

Ciba Specialty Chemicals offered a wide range of products and services across several key areas:

• Additives: Ciba was a leading supplier of additives for plastics, coatings, and inks, providing solutions that enhanced the performance and durability of these materials.
• Coatings: The company developed innovative coatings that improved the appearance and longevity of surfaces, including automotive and industrial applications.
• Plastics: Ciba's plastic additives were used to improve the properties of polymers, making them more resistant to heat, light, and other environmental factors.
• Water Treatment Chemicals: Ciba provided chemicals and solutions for water treatment, helping industries and municipalities manage water resources more effectively.

Research and Development

Ciba Specialty Chemicals invested heavily in research and development, with a focus on creating sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. The company operated several R&D centers around the world, where scientists and engineers worked on developing new products and improving existing ones.

Acquisition by BASF

In 2008, BASF announced its intention to acquire Ciba Specialty Chemicals for CHF 6.1 billion. The acquisition was part of BASF's strategy to strengthen its position in the specialty chemicals market. The integration of Ciba's operations into BASF was completed in 2009, and the Ciba brand was gradually phased out.

Legacy

Ciba Specialty Chemicals left a lasting impact on the specialty chemicals industry through its innovative products and commitment to sustainability. Many of its technologies and solutions continue to be used today under the BASF umbrella.

Also see

• BASF
• Ciba-Geigy
• Novartis
• Specialty Chemicals
• Chemical Industry