Mitsui Chemicals acquires Nippon Aluminum Alkyls to strengthen specialty chemicals, secure co-catalyst supply, and advance sustainable growth globally.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has officially completed the full acquisition of Nippon Aluminum Alkyls Ltd. (NAA), a leading manufacturer of organometallic compounds such as alkyl aluminum, through a share purchase agreement with Ketjen Netherlands Holdings B.V. With this transaction, Mitsui Chemicals now owns 100% of NAA, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. This strategic acquisition strengthens Mitsui Chemicals’ position in specialty chemicals and aligns with its long-term vision of fostering sustainable growth and innovation in high-value chemical products.
Since its founding in 1968, NAA has developed extensive expertise in producing and supplying a wide array of high-quality alkyl aluminum compounds. These products serve diverse industrial and societal applications, notably as catalysts for polyolefin production, reducing agents for pharmaceutical synthesis, raw materials for asymmetric synthesis catalysts, and components for electronic information materials. Over the decades, NAA has established a reputation for reliability and quality in delivering critical chemical intermediates to multiple sectors, from petrochemicals to pharmaceuticals to electronics.
Ketjen Netherlands Holdings B.V., the former shareholder of NAA, is recognized globally as a provider of advanced catalyst solutions for leading companies in petrochemicals, refining, and specialty chemicals. Commenting on the transaction, Ketjen’s President Michael J. Simmons expressed confidence in Mitsui Chemicals’ stewardship, noting that “We are excited that NAA will be acquired by a company like Mitsui that is dedicated to fostering the growth of this business.”
For Mitsui Chemicals, this acquisition is a natural fit within its VISION 2030 Long-Term Business Plan, which outlines the company’s ideal vision as “Chemistry for a Sustainable World.” Central to this vision is the pursuit of portfolio reform aimed at strengthening global specialty chemical operations and establishing a sustainable green chemicals business through competitive derivatives. By making NAA a wholly owned subsidiary, Mitsui Chemicals can efficiently allocate management resources toward the production and sale of catalysts and co-catalysts, essential for the manufacturing of polyolefins, synthetic rubber, high-grade alcohols, and other chemical products.
Additionally, NAA’s organometallic compounds, including alkyl aluminum and its derivatives, are vital raw materials for pharmaceuticals and electronic materials. Through this acquisition, Mitsui Chemicals not only ensures a stable supply of co-catalysts for polyolefin production but also enhances its contribution to the raw material requirements of the ICT solutions industry. The move underscores Mitsui Chemicals’ commitment to expanding its global specialty chemicals footprint while advancing sustainable industrial solutions, securing both innovation and long-term profitability.
This acquisition positions Mitsui Chemicals to leverage NAA’s technical expertise, product portfolio, and market presence, reinforcing its strategy to become a globally recognized leader in high-growth, high-profitability specialty chemicals while supporting sustainable industrial development.
