Element Solutions acquires EFC, rebrands its Specialties segment, and strengthens growth in high-value, technology-driven markets with strong margins.
Element Solutions, a global provider of specialty chemical technologies, has confirmed the successful completion of its acquisition of EFC Gases & Advanced Materials (EFC), marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing portfolio transformation. As part of this transaction, the acquired business will operate as a standalone unit within a newly rebranded operating division now known as the “Specialties” segment. This segment replaces what was previously referred to as the “Industrial & Specialty” segment, reflecting a sharper strategic focus on high-value, technically demanding markets.
The acquisition underscores Element Solutions’ intent to strengthen its presence in niche applications where specialized expertise, rigorous customer qualification processes, and advanced technical service capabilities are critical. EFC brings to the group a strong reputation in specialty and rare gases as well as advanced materials, capabilities that complement Element Solutions’ existing offerings and significantly broaden its addressable market opportunities.
Commenting on the transaction, Benjamin Gliklich, Chief Executive Officer of Element Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming EFC Gases & Advanced Materials into the organization. He highlighted that EFC’s solutions-driven mindset, collaborative team culture, and customer-focused go-to-market strategy align closely with Element Solutions’ operating philosophy. According to Gliklich, the integration of EFC introduces differentiated and high-value capabilities that enhance the company’s competitive positioning, particularly in fast-growing and technologically complex end markets.
Through this acquisition, Element Solutions gains exposure to attractive growth vectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, electrical transmission infrastructure, and space-related applications. These sectors are characterized by long-term demand drivers, high barriers to entry, and stringent performance requirements, making them well suited to Element Solutions’ emphasis on innovation, reliability, and technical excellence. The addition of EFC is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to serve customers operating in these demanding environments, while also creating opportunities for cross-selling and deeper customer partnerships.
The newly established “Specialties” segment will bring together businesses that share common characteristics: a focus on niche, high-value markets; the need for extensive customer qualification; and a reliance on value-added technical service. Collectively, these attributes support the creation of high-quality, recurring revenue streams and more resilient earnings profiles. Management expects this segment to deliver mid-single-digit organic growth over time, supported by adjusted EBITDA margins exceeding 20 percent and a durable cash flow outlook.
Element Solutions’ leadership also emphasized that this acquisition represents the latest milestone in a broader, multi-year effort to enhance the overall quality of the company’s portfolio. By steadily shifting toward businesses with stronger growth prospects, higher margins, and more predictable cash generation, the company has materially improved its financial and strategic profile. The formation of the new “Specialties” segment is seen as clear evidence of this evolution, highlighting the progress made in aligning the portfolio with long-term value creation objectives.
In summary, the acquisition of EFC not only expands Element Solutions’ technological capabilities and market reach but also reinforces its commitment to disciplined growth, profitability, and recurring revenue. By combining EFC’s specialized expertise with its own established platforms, Element Solutions is positioning itself to capture new opportunities in advanced, high-growth industries while continuing to deliver sustainable value to customers and stakeholders alike.
