Sojitz Corporation announced on May 15, 2025, that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 66.5% majority stake in NIPPON A&L INC., a prominent company specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of SBR latexes and ABS resins. The acquisition, expected to be finalized in July 2025 following necessary procedures, will make Nippon A&L a consolidated subsidiary of Sojitz.

Nippon A&L was established as a joint venture between Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. The company has garnered global recognition for its advanced technology in SBR latex, a crucial component used as anode binders in lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Demand for LiBs is experiencing rapid growth fueled by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.

Furthermore, Nippon A&L holds a leading position in Japan's supply chain for SBR latex used in paper processing and enjoys a strong reputation in this sector. The company also possesses a stable domestic and international customer base for its high-quality ABS resins, which find applications in the automotive and home appliance industries, underpinned by its robust technological expertise.

The decision by Sumitomo Chemical to partially divest its stake in Nippon A&L aligns with its new growth strategy, "Leap Beyond: Returning to a Growth Trajectory." As part of this strategy, Sumitomo Chemical is actively working to strengthen the resilience of its business structures through ongoing reforms and to enhance its financial and capital efficiency.

Similarly, Mitsui Chemicals' "VISION 2030 Long-Term Business Plan" emphasizes "Chemistry for Sustainable World" as its core vision. As part of its portfolio reform strategy to achieve this vision, Mitsui Chemicals aims to become a leading global specialty chemical company, focusing on high-growth, high-profitability specialty chemicals and sustainable green chemicals.

For Sojitz, this acquisition represents a significant step in reinforcing its growth foundations under its Medium-term Management Plan 2026, which aims to double the company's corporate value and reach the "Next Stage." The establishment of energy and materials solutions as a strategic focus area underscores Sojitz's commitment to capitalizing on opportunities in these burgeoning sectors.

Sojitz intends to utilize its global customer network, logistics capabilities, human capital, and other resources to further enhance Nippon A&L's corporate value and simultaneously expand its presence in the rapidly growing EV and storage battery markets. This strategic acquisition signifies a powerful alliance poised to capitalize on the increasing demand for advanced materials in sustainable technologies.