Perstorp Acquires Penta Business of Ashland

Perstorp, Sweden, has acquired the Penta (pentaerythritol) specialty chemicals business of Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH). The polyalcohol Penta is used in applications such as alkyd resins, PVC stabilizers, synthetic lubricants, varnishes. Perstorp is controlled by PAI Partners, a European private equity group.

DuPont to Acquire Danisco

DuPont (NYSE:DD) plans to acquire Danisco, Denmark, for $6.3 billion. Danisco is a leading global enzyme and food ingredients company with sales of $2.6 billion in 2010. Its specialty food ingredients business, including enablers, cultures and sweeteners, generate about 65 percent of total sales while Genencor, its enzymes division, represents 35 percent of total sales. The transaction is expected to close in the 2nd quarter of 2011.