Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Merck Group's surface solutions business (SUSONITY) by China's leading synthetic mica company, Global New Materials International, marks a significant shift in the global new materials industry, indicating a transition from "market for technology" to "technology wins market" for Chinese enterprises [2][3][6]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The acquisition highlights the contrasting fates of SUSONITY and Global New Materials, with the former struggling due to rising costs and declining market share, while the latter has rapidly expanded its revenue and market presence [6][10]. - The global new materials industry is witnessing a power shift, with Chinese "invisible champions" gaining ground against established European chemical giants like Merck [3][4]. - The synthetic mica market in China has been growing rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 20% from 2016 to 2024, driven by demand from downstream industries such as coatings, plastics, inks, automotive, and cosmetics [9][12]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisition - Global New Materials International's acquisition of SUSONITY for €665 million (approximately ¥5.187 billion) is seen as a strategic move to enhance its competitive edge in high-end manufacturing [21][22]. - The acquisition is expected to create synergies between the two companies, leveraging Global New Materials' advanced synthetic mica technology and SUSONITY's established market presence and customer base [17][24]. - The integration of SUSONITY into Global New Materials' operations is anticipated to enhance production capabilities, reduce costs, and improve profitability, particularly in the high-value automotive and cosmetics sectors [18][19]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Global New Materials International has demonstrated strong financial growth, with a revenue CAGR of approximately 27% over the past five years, and a significant increase in revenue to ¥1.649 billion in 2024, representing a 55% year-on-year growth [23]. - The company's gross profit margin reached 53% in 2024, with net profit increasing by 33.4% to ¥242 million, indicating robust operational efficiency and market demand [23]. - The successful integration of the Korean company CQV has further bolstered Global New Materials' financial performance, contributing to its optimistic outlook for the SUSONITY acquisition [23][25]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The merger is expected to create a more collaborative global materials group, enhancing supply chain efficiency and expanding product offerings across various market segments [27][30]. - The strategic focus on synthetic mica aligns with national policies promoting advanced materials, positioning Global New Materials and its subsidiaries for significant growth in emerging markets [7][29]. - The integration of technologies and market channels is likely to establish Global New Materials as a leading player in the global synthetic mica and pearlescent pigment market, reshaping perceptions of Chinese manufacturing on the world stage [30].
50亿，一笔全球化并购诞生