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Syensqo completes spin-off

Syensqo had its shares listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris on 11 December three days after shareholders voted 99.53% in favour of its demerger from Solvay. It also expects to be included in other major stock market indices, such as BEL20, Stoxx Europe 600, MSCI Europe ad FTSE Russell, subject to each individual index review.

The new company employs over 13,000 employees and is spread across the world, with 41% of 2022 net sales in the Americas, 36% in Asia-Pacific and 23% Europe. The initial share price of €90 gives it a market capitalisation of € 9.53 billion.

Syensqo leadership named

Solvay has published materials for an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, including details of the executive leadership nominations for when it splits into two firms. The meeting will be held in Brussels on 8 December for shareholders to approve the split, which has been unanimously recommend by the board and the executive leadership.

Solvay to invest in rare earth magnets

Solvay is to expand its rare earths operations in La Rochelle, France, to enter the value chain for permanent magnets based on alloys of rare earths. These are mostly imported into Europe at present and many rare earths are in short supply. The company itself claims to be the technology leader in their separation, recycling, purification, finishing and formulation.

Solvay to split in two?

Following on from the examples of other major chemicals companies, such as Bayer and DuPont, Solvay is reviewing plans to separate into two independent publicly traded companies. The process is expected to be completed in 2H 2023.

The company said that the separation “would establish two strong industry leaders that would benefit from the strategic and financial flexibility to focus on their distinctive business models, market and stakeholder priorities”.

Solvay to take impairment

In a Q2 trading update, Solvay revealed that an impairment review is under way and likely to lead to a non-cash impairment of about €1.5 billion. This is the result of “the deterioration in short and mid term economic performance due to Covid-19,” the company said.

How Solvay plans to GROW

Solvay has announced its new 'GROW' strategy, following what CEO Ilham Kadri described as "a comprehensive strategic review of our entire portfolio". The acronym comes from aims specific to the company's three realigned segments and the Solvay One operating model.
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