CSG Acquires Nitrocellulose Production in Germany from IFF
MSM Group – the Slovak subsidiary of the CSG industrial group – has entered into a purchase agreement with the U.S. publicly traded IFF to acquire IFF’s nitrocellulose business, associated plant, and Walsrode Industrial Park in Lower Saxony, Germany. The parties did not disclose the price of the transaction.
The 1.7-square-kilometre industrial park is located near Walsrode and has a long tradition in the chemical industry. It is home to several companies from the chemical industry and other fields. As part of the acquisition, CSG is taking over the production of nitrocellulose and the industrial park itself, which has, for example, its own railway siding and cogeneration power plant. Under IFF, the business has manufactured nitrocellulose strictly for industrial purposes, serving customers primarily in coatings and printing inks. More than 350 employees work in the parts of Walsrode Industrial Park acquired by CSG.
CSG values the industrial production capabilities and customers of the Walsrode plant and will leverage that capability to also include energetic nitrocellulose production, consistent with its other businesses, over time. This will necessitate further investment in the facilities and consultation with appropriate regulatory authorities.
Jan Marinov, CEO of the CSG Defence Division, says: "Chemical production, including, at times, a prior history of producing for the defense industry, has taken place in the Walsrode Industrial Park. Even in the current situation, when the chemical industry in Europe is facing high energy prices and demanding regulation, the production of nitrocellulose for the ammunition industry and other important industries, such as printing inks and coatings, can ensure a long-term prospect for companies operating in this field. Energetic nitrocellulose production is strategically important for the security of NATO and EU countries and their allies. Europe must not fall into dependence on imports for such a strategic commodity, as it is necessary to have security of supply even in a crisis."
After the contractual documentation between IFF and MSM Group was signed at the beginning of October, processes are underway leading to the transaction's closing, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, subject to applicable information and/or consultation requirements and customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Jan Marinov, CEO of the CSG Defence Division, says: "The security threat for NATO countries and their allies is the insufficient European capacity to produce ammunition, especially large-caliber. That is why we have been working hard for several years and investing hundreds of millions of euros in creating a vertically integrated production of large-caliber ammunition within the CSG Group, from input commodities and semi-finished products to the final product. Our recent acquisition has brought us significantly closer to this goal. At the same time, thanks to it, we are becoming a manufacturer and employer in Germany, an important EU country that is a key economic partner of the Czech Republic."
About CSG Group
The global industrial and technology group CSG, owned by Czech entrepreneur Michal Strnad, has key manufacturing facilities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain, Italy, India, Great Britain and the USA and exports its products all over the world. CSG has been continuously investing in developing its companies while expanding its core businesses. The group includes, for example, the Czech car manufacturer Tatra Trucks, the world's major manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition Fiocchi and the Czech radar manufacturer Eldis. More than 10,000 employees work in the companies incorporated into the CSG Group and in the connected companies. In 2023, the group's consolidated sales reached EUR 1.73 billion. CSG's main industries are engineering, automotive, railway, aerospace, defense, and small caliber ammunition production. Thanks to its strong pro-export orientation, CSG products can be found on all continents.
About IFF
At IFF—an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent—science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, IFF is an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, IFF will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at iff.com, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Walsrode Industrial Park
The Walsrode Industrial Park is strategically located near three major German cities: Hamburg, Hannover, and Bremen. In Bomlitz, cellulose derivatives and films for food packaging, as well as special films, are primarily produced. In addition to its strategic location, the park offers modern infrastructure and facilities, including its wastewater treatment plant, security service, and fire brigade.
