Zeon, Sumitomo Chemical complete SSBR joint venture

Tokyo – Zeon Corp. and Sumitomo Chemical Co. have completed the transfer of their solution styrene-butadiene-rubber (SSBR) businesses to ZS Elastomers Co. joint venture, Zeon said ina 28 Feb press release.

The two Japanese chemicals suppliers announced 2 Dec that they had decided to set up the JV to consolidate their SSBR businesses after carrying out the necessary investigations.

“Subsequently the relevant internal authorisations at the respective companies as well as approvals by legal authorities have been completed,” the 28 Feb statement added.

ZS Elastomers Co. Ltd (ZSE), is to be based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and will be 60% owned by Zeon and 40% owned by Sumitomo Chemical.

According to Zeon the ZSE venture will be formally launched 1 April.

As reported  previously by ERJ, the Japanese companies launched a feasibility study for the SSBR venture in August. The study, according to Zeon, found that the merger would generate synergies, in terms of meeting increased demand for the material in fuel-efficient tires and addressing growing competition in the market.

The partnership, the two companies expect, will also accelerate new product development to meet customer needs, improve cost competitiveness and secure stable product supply.