News Archive

Metal surcharges

Due to the drastic development of the copper price in the last few weeks Eckart will adjust the metal surcharges exceptionally effective 01.12.2008. 

SKion GmbH Offer for Acquisition of ALTANA Shares

Today SKion GmbH informed us about their decision to make an offer for the acquisition of shares in ALTANA AG. 

ALTANA increases sales and operating earnings

The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA AG increased sales and operating earnings in the first three quarters of 2008 compared to the same period last year. 

ECKART: Gathering Pace in China

ECKART is pleased to announce the completion of its first production facility in Asia, located in Zhuhai, Guangdong, China. 

ALTANA completes acquisition of USBP

After having received the approval by the German antitrust authorities, ALTANA AG now completes the acquisition of the effect pigments business of the American company United States Bronze Powders Inc. (USBP) with immediate effect.  

Metal surcharges

As announced in our last press release dated June 25, 2008 Eckart's metal surcharges will be adjusted on a quarterly basis. 

ALTANA acquires effect pigment business of USBP

The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA has signed a contract to acquire the effect pigment business of the American company United States Bronze Powders Inc. (USBP). In 2007, USBP achieved sales of approximately $8 million in this business area.  

ALTANA reports sales and earnings growth in the first half of 2008

Sales: up 2 percent (4 percent operating growth), EBITDA: up 13 percent; EBITDA margin at high level, Burdens due to exchange rate effects 

ECKART announces metal surcharges

As already announced ECKART 's metal surcharges will be adjusted on a quarterly basis. 

ALTANA Annual General Meeting approves dividend proposal

Regular dividend of €0.25 , Special dividend of €0.26, Payout ratio of 33%, Total dividend payment of just under €70 million 

ALTANA reports positive business performance in the first quarter of 2008

Sales: plus 3 percent (operating growth: plus 5 percent), EBITDA: plus 16 percent, Positive earnings outlook confirmed 

Eckart announces price increase for metal pigments and metallic printing inks

Metal surcharges

As already announced in our last press release dated December 20, 2007 Eckart's metal surcharges will be adjusted on a quarterly basis. 

ALTANA AG reports excellent business year 2007

- Dynamic growth in sales and earnings
- Dividend proposal: €0.25 per share
- Special dividend: €0.26 per share
- Positive outlook for the business year 2008 

ALTANA reports successful business year 2007

Excellent start as pure specialty chemicals company
Sales: €1,380 million (+ 7%)
EBITDA: €248 million (+ 33%)
 

Eckart announces price increase for Cosmetic Pigments

Due to the increased costs of energy, raw materials and transportation Eckart will increase prices ... 

Metal surcharges

As already announced in our last press release dated September 23, 2009 Eckart's metal surcharges will be adjusted on a quarterly basis.
Due to the development of metal prices during the fourth quarter 2009 the following metal surcharges will apply for the first quarter 2010: 

ALTANA: Marked recovery of its business continues

- Considerable momentum in Q3
- Accumulated still clearly below prior-year figures
- Sales down 18 percent, EBITDA down 35 percent
- EBITDA margin 16 percent  

SKion GmbH makes a new, improved Tender Offer for Acquisition of ALTANA Shares

Today SKion GmbH informed us about their decision to make a new, improved offer for the acquisition of shares in ALTANA AG and they have published this decision today according to § 10 section 1 of the Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (German Wertpapiererwerbs- and Übernahmegesetz "WpÜG). 

Metal surcharges

Eckart's metal surcharges will be adjusted on a quarterly basis. 

ECKART concentrates its production of aluminum pastes in Germany

ALTANA's ECKART Effect Pigments division strengthens its main factory in the Franconian town of Güntersthal (Bavaria) and its site in Wackersdorf 

First Half 2009: ALTANA still burdened by economic crisis

- Sales: down 25 percent
- EBITDA: down 52 percent; EBITDA margin 12.6 percent
- Cost management leads to significant savings
- Stabilization in the second quarter 

Metal surcharges

Due to the development of metal prices over the last few month's we regret to inform you that we have to apply the metal surcharge for the third quarter 2009 again. 

ECKART introduces improved metallic digital drop on demand inks at FESPA 2009

ECKART introduces improved JETFLUID metallic digital drop on demand inks at booth no. N87 in Hall 7 at FESPA 2009 Amsterdam from May 12-14, 2009. 

Global economic crisis burdens ALTANA

- Sales: down 30 percent
- EBITDA: down 71 percent
- Positive cash flow
- Consistent cost management 

ECKART with new effect pigment products at European Coatings Show 2009, hall 7A, booth 305

ECKART is presenting itself as an innovative and experienced consulting partner for all issues regarding innovative effect pigment applications at the ECS, the international coatings and paint industry trade fair, in Nuremberg... 

Economic crisis burdens growth course of ALTANA in 2008

Sales and earnings declined slightly, Fourth quarter overshadows full year results, Dividend proposal: 10 cent per share 

Temporary withdrawal of metal surcharges

Business year 2008: ALTANA achieves margin target despite sharp business decline in the fourth quarter

Sales: €1,342 million (-3%), EBITDA: €243 million (-2%), EBITDA margin: 18.1%