Johnson Matthey announces that it has acquired the AMC Group of companies (“AMC”), the global market leader in Sponge Nickel™ catalysts. AMC is a privately owned company located in Tennessee, USA, which primarily serves customers in the pharmaceutical and speciality chemicals industries.

These Nickel catalysts are extensively used in hydrogenation and reductive alkylation reactions throughout the pharmaceutical industry as well as in a wide range of other chemical processes. They are often the first catalyst to be evaluated when designing a new process. The acquisition of a market leading position in Sponge Nickel™ catalysis is an important strategic addition to Johnson Matthey’s Process Catalysts and Technologies business.

AMC which was acquired for $43 million, had sales of $24 million in 2003 and employs 55 people at its facilities near Knoxville, Tennessee.

Commenting on the acquisition Chris Clark, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey said:

“AMC, with its market-leading position in Sponge Nickel™ catalysts, is an excellent fit with our existing process catalyst businesses. The acquisition will bring important benefits for both Johnson Matthey’s existing customers and those of AMC, providing access to our extensive range of chemical process catalysts and services.”

Enquiries:

Johnson Matthey

Ian Godwin
Group Corporate Communications Manager
020 7269 8410

John Sheldrick
Group Finance Director
020 7269 8438

Gavin Anderson & Co