In the second quarter of 2008, LANXESS will acquire approximately 70% of – and thus control over – the Brazilian rubber giant Petroflex. This acquisition is in line with LANXESS’ stated strategy of seeking to play a major role in the booming economies of the emerging markets. “Petroflex ideally complements our product portfolio and significantly improves our position in one of the world’s biggest growth markets,” says LANXESS CEO Dr. Axel C. Heitmann. Increasing prosperity in emerging markets, growing consumption, and the positive economic climate in Brazil offer an ideal framework for implementing the LANXESS strategy. Brazil is becoming a global player, the country’s market is open and promising – and it’s therefore attracting investors from all over the world.

Along with raw materials, the automotive industry is a major engine of economic growth in Brazil, as the country’s domestic automobile market and export business are both booming. LANXESS and its new subsidiary, Petroflex, will continue to benefit in the future from the demand for high-quality tires and the types of high-tech rubber needed to produce them.