Swiss specialty chemicals producer Clariant has closed its acquisition of the remaining 50% shares of Companhia Brasileira de Bentonita (CBB) from Geosol, its 50:50 joint venture partner.

Clariant said its decision to buy out its partner reflects its strategy to invest in emerging markets while also strengthening its presence in Brazil's Iron Ore Pelletizing (IOP) industry, where bentonite is used to bind iron ore for export.

The Swiss company said the acquisition also will allow it to strengthen its participation in the foundry and civil engineering markets, in which there is high demand for bentonite-derived products, as well as open up new fronts in the detergents and paper industries.

Based at Vitória da Conquista in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil, CBB owns a bentonite mine, a bentonite processing facility and state-of-the-art production plant, in addition to laboratories, storage facilities and an office building.

Sven Schultheis, head of Clariant’s Functional Minerals business unit, said the deal demonstrates the company’s commitment to the growing bentonite business in Latin America and is a further important step toward becoming a leading bentonite company.

Additionally, the takeover of CBB secures Clariant’s access to raw clays to supply customers in Latin America, added Sólon Ramos, who heads the business unit’s regional team.