In December 2006, Sulzer signed an agreement with KnitMesh Ltd., based in the UK, to take over their separation technology business. The acquisition includes the company Enhanced Separation Technologies (EST) LLC., based in the US. In 2005, KnitMesh and EST achieved combined sales of approximately CHF 12 million with the acquired product range. The agreed purchase price is about CHF 13 million.

The planned combined acquisition will help Sulzer Chemtech to expand its presence in the important gas market. It will complement the product portfolio in the field of gas/liquid separation, enabling Sulzer Chemtech to extend their range of innovative products and related services. The sales of the businesses to be acquired amounted to approximately CHF 12 million in 2005. The acquisition is expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2007.

KnitMesh, based in Greenfield, North Wales, UK, is a reputed global supplier for mist eliminators, wire mesh and vane mist eliminators. Sulzer Chemtech has used KnitMesh as supplier for this product range in the past. Approximately 40 people are employed in the separation technology business. EST is based in Plainfield, New Jersey, US, with main operations in Houston, Texas and has 20 employees. EST commercializes KnitMesh’s separation technology in the Americas.

Sulzer Chemtech is market leader in separation column and static mixing technologies. With its sales offices and locations for engineering, production, and customer support, the business maintains