Sulzer intends to acquire Bekaert’s Diamond-like Carbon Coatings activities

Sulzer and Bekaert, based in Kortrijk, Belgium, has recently announced their intention to sign a takeover agreement for Bekaert’s diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating activities.

With its leading DLC technology, Bekaert achieved sales of over EUR 15 million (over CHF 24 million) in 2007. The intended acquisition of this business with complementary technologies and geographical presence will expand and strengthen Sulzer Metco’s existing position in the thin coatings market.

Bekaert’s diamond-like carbon coatings business develops and markets thin coatings offering the combination of very low frictional resistance and extreme hardness.

Sulzer Metco is a leading global supplier of services and products for surface solutions covering both thermal spray and thin coating technologies.

The intended acquisition will further strengthen Sulzer Metco’s position in the thin coatings market.  The DLC coatings will complement Sulzer Metco’s current portfolio of advanced coating systems and services in the area of PVD (physical vapour deposition) and PHT (plasma heat treatment) as well as a combination thereof, offering customers the full range of benefits from low friction and extreme hardness to high corrosion and wear resistance. This transaction covers all six production plants in Belgium, France, Germany, and the USA with 164 employees in total and is subject to regulatory approvals.