Merck KGaA exits pigments

Merck KGaA has closed the divestment of its global Surface Solutions business to Global New Material International Holdings (GNMI), following approval by all relevant regulatory authorities and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. GNMI is rebranding it as Susonity.

The business, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pearlescent pigments, had sales of over than €400 million in 2024 and around 1,100 employees, more than 600 of whom are based in Germany. GNMI has guaranteed the future of the Gernsheim site, which Merck still owns, and the employment of its staff based in Germany until 2032. 

The GreenTech-Park Fluxum in Gernsheim is not affected by the divestment.Other sites being transferred are at Savannah, Georgia, and Onahama, Japan. 

Merck, the last remaining chemicals-pharmaceutical hybrid firm, will use the proceeds of €665 million to strengthen its strategic core businesses in pharmaceuticals and electronics. It has recently made a series of acquisitions, including SpringWorks Therapeutics, HUB Organoids, Unity-SC and Mirus Bio.