The $28.8-billion Tata Group is clearly proving itself as a global conglomerate. In its latest global move, Tata Chemicals has snapped up US-based General Chemical Industrial Products Inc. for $1 billion. Tata is acquiring the maker of soda ash from Harbinger Capital Partners. The acquisition will make Tata Chemicals the world’s second-biggest soda ash maker.
Tata Chemicals has a market capitalisation of about $2 billion. The privately held General Chemicals manufactures natural soda ash which uses less energy, capital and raw materials than synthetic soda.
The Tata Group has previously made large, multi-billion dollar acquisitions like the UK steel maker Corus and the tea giant Tetley, besides several hotel properties and a minority equity in Glaceau which it sold to Coca-Cola later. Now Tata Motors, the group’s auto company, is the front runner for Ford Motor Co’s Land Rover and Jaguar brands in the UK.
Tata Chemicals, which manufactures and sells soda ash, cement, sodium bicarbonate, edible salt and cooking soda, had in December 2005 bought UK-based Brunner Mond Group.

Posted on 01/31/08, 10:22 AM
in: Deals, Mergers & Acquisitions
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