Borealis to divest Biosuper business in France to Eliard SPCP

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers, has divested its Biosuper business in France to Eliard SPCP - a manufacturing and trading company of agricultural products such as fertilisers and seeds. The Biosuper brand, a phosphate-based dryer used in animal stables, and the related production equipment will be transferred to the new owner, Eliard SPCP, during the third quarter of 2014.
 
This transaction will free up storage space for Borealis’ fertiliser products at its warehouse in La Rochelle, France. Currently, Borealis sells around 150,000 tonnes of fertilisers each year from La Rochelle, where around 40 people are employed. The divestment has no personnel impact, as all current warehouse employees will be needed to handle the additional fertiliser volumes.
 
“The sale of the Biosuper business and equipment will enable a more efficient use of our assets at La Rochelle. Being able to handle an additional 10,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually will help us to further grow our business in France and ensure excellent service to our customers,” stated Gerald Papst, Borealis Vice President Business Unit Fertilizer.
 
Markku Korvenranta, Executive Vice President Base Chemicals, added, “The divestment of the Biosuper business is a strategic step we have taken to focus on our core fertiliser business in France. Our stated commitment is to grow in Europe. This goal requires a firm focus on increasing efficiency along with reliability and safety.”
 
Borealis is the largest producer of nitrogen fertilisers in France and employs approximately 940 people. In France, Borealis operates three production sites in Grand-Quevilly, Grandpuits and Ottmarsheim, as well as a storage site at La Rochelle.