ARKEMA S/ADR - ARKAY STOCK NEWS

Arkema has proposed the renewal of four directors at its upcoming Annual General Meeting on 19 May 2022. This includes Marie-Ange Debon, Isabelle Boccon-Gibod, and Philippe Sauquet, each bringing extensive experience in finance and industry. Their reappointments aim to support Arkema's strategy to transition into a Specialty Materials player by 2024, which is projected to account for 85.5% of group sales, amounting to approximately €9.5 billion in 2021. The new appointments are seen as strengthening governance and alignment with long-term goals.

Arkema achieved strong financial results in 2021, with sales reaching €9.5 billion, a 25.9% increase from 2020. EBITDA surged to a historic high of €1,727 million, up 46.1%, driven by robust demand in sustainable materials, particularly in batteries and 3D printing. Adjusted net income rose to €896 million, representing €11.88 per share. The company reduced net debt significantly to €1,177 million, equating to 0.7x of EBITDA. Proposed dividends increased to €3.0 per share. Arkema remains confident for 2022, aiming for comparable Specialty Materials EBITDA to 2021's record.

Arkema (Euronext Paris: AKE) is set to enhance its engineering adhesives portfolio through the acquisition of Shanghai Zhiguan Polymer Materials (PMP), a leader in hot-melt adhesives for consumer electronics, generating over €1 million in annual sales. This strategic acquisition aligns with Bostik's aim to grow in the lucrative engineering adhesives market, especially in Asia. The deal, expected to close in Q1 2022, will leverage strong technological synergies and position Arkema to capitalize on the fast-growing consumer electronics segment.

On January 31, 2022, Arkema reported key share information regarding its total shares and voting rights. The company has a total of 74,286,041 shares outstanding, with 85,082,402 voting rights when including shares held by the company. Excluding shares held by the company, the total voting rights stand at 84,753,284. This data is crucial for investors monitoring shareholder voting power and governance.

Arkema has announced an increase in fluoropolymer capacity at its Changshu site in China from 35% to 50% due to high demand in lithium-ion batteries and other sectors. The start-up date remains scheduled for the end of 2022. Additionally, a similar 50% capacity increase is confirmed for its Pierre-Bénite site in France, expected in Q1 2023. This move aligns with Arkema's growth strategy in China and other markets, bolstered by strong consumer demand for sustainable materials. The company reported sales of €8 billion in 2020, emphasizing its commitment to innovation and development in specialty materials.

The Board of directors of Arkema announced a share capital reduction by canceling 2,450,435 treasury shares, which is 3.19% of its share capital. This decision, made on 24 January 2022, is effective as of 27 January 2022. Post-transaction, Arkema's capital stands at 742,860,410 euros divided into 74,286,041 shares. Arkema aims to be a pure player in Specialty Materials by 2024, with 82% of 2020 sales from three segments: Adhesive Solutions, Advanced Materials, and Coating Solutions, totaling around €8 billion.

Arkema is set to increase its manufacturing capacity for Pebax^® elastomers by 25% at its Serquigny plant in France. This expansion, expected to commence mid-2023, will enhance the production of both traditional and bio-circular Pebax^® Rnew^® materials used in various applications, including sports equipment and consumer goods. The move supports growing demand for sustainable solutions, with bio-circular materials having a 50% lower carbon footprint. Additionally, the investment will reduce water consumption by 25% at the site, underscoring Arkema's commitment to sustainability.

Arkema announced its total shares and voting rights as of December 31, 2021. The company has a total of 76,736,476 shares outstanding, with a total of 87,610,101 voting rights, including those held by the company. Excluding the shares held by the company, the total voting rights stand at 84,830,548. This information is crucial for stakeholders to understand share allocation and voting power within the company.

Arkema (Euronext: AKE) has announced its proposed acquisition of Permoseal, a leading adhesive solutions provider in South Africa, with an estimated sales of €44 million in 2021. This acquisition aims to enhance Bostik’s product offerings in the DIY adhesives sector and support expansion in South Africa's construction market. The deal, valued at a strategic level, is expected to generate synergies and strengthen Arkema's position in packaging adhesives. The acquisition is pending antitrust approval and is anticipated to finalize in Q2 2022.