Group 1 - The industry is experiencing active mergers and acquisitions, with KPS Capital Partners planning to acquire The Wells Companies, a precast concrete firm, expected to complete in Q1 2026, potentially reshaping competition in the segment and indirectly affecting the supply chain for lime and other building materials [1] - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering revoking the 2009 greenhouse gas hazard designation, which could ease regulatory constraints on high-emission sectors like transportation, thereby reducing compliance pressure for building material companies [1] - There has been significant volatility in the OTC building materials sector, with increased turnover and amplitude, indicating that small-cap stocks like gray mineral building materials are susceptible to short-term liquidity risks [1] Group 2 - As of February 11, 2026, the stock price of U.S. gray mineral building materials closed at $107.76, showing a slight increase of 0.22% for the day, but a cumulative decline of 5.69% over the past five days and an 18.16% drop over the last 20 days, underperforming the building materials sector which fell by 3.09% on the same day [1] - The trading volume was $19.19 million, with a volume ratio of 1.51 and a turnover rate of 0.62%, indicating active short-term trading but an overall downward trend [1]

经济观察网根据2026年2月11日的公开信息，美国灰矿建材股票所在行业近期有以下值得关注的事件。 近期事件 KPS Capital Partners拟收购美国预制混凝土企业The Wells Companies，交易预计于2026年第一季度完 成。Wells公司在美国拥有13个制造工厂，专注于高档建筑预制混凝土解决方案，此次收购可能影响细 分领域竞争格局。 政策监管情况 资金动向 近期美国OTC建筑材料板块中，灰矿建材等个股换手率与振幅显著，显示资金短期流动加剧。但需注意 该板块市值较小，易受单一资金动向影响。 以上内容基于公开资料整理，不构成投资建议。 美国环保署(EPA)拟撤销2009年作出的温室气体危害认定，该认定是气候监管的法律基础。若撤销，可 能放宽对交通运输等高排放行业的约束，间接影响建材行业碳排放政策环境。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The sale of Continental AG's industrial ContiTech unit is underway, with debt packages of approximately €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) being prepared to support the acquisition process [1][6]. Group 1: Sale Process and Financials - Information memorandums for the sale, managed by Deutsche Bank AG and Perella Weinberg Partners, were distributed last week, with potential buyers expected to submit initial bids next month [2]. - The expected sale price for the ContiTech unit, which produces items like conveyor belt systems and agricultural hoses, is projected to be between €4 billion and €5 billion [2]. - The financing for the acquisition is anticipated to be structured as leveraged loans and high-yield bonds, available in both euros and dollars [6]. Group 2: Market Context and Competitors - The launch of the ContiTech sale represents the second significant industrial carveout in Germany this year, as companies like Volkswagen AG also pursue divestitures to concentrate on core operations [3]. - Several private equity firms, including EQT AB, CVC Capital Partners Plc, KPS Capital Partners, and Blackstone Inc., are considering both the ContiTech unit and Volkswagen's Everllence SE, with some preferring the option to acquire the entire ContiTech unit [4]. Group 3: Industry Trends - M&A activity is on the rise this year following a strong finish in 2025, with leveraged finance bankers eager to participate in lucrative financing roles for upcoming deals [5]. - The ContiTech sale is part of Continental's broader strategy to divest non-core assets, which also includes the planned listing of its auto parts business, Aumovio SE [8].

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation (ALB.US) has announced two equity sale agreements totaling approximately $660 million, marking a strategic shift to focus on its core lithium and bromine businesses [1] Group 1: Equity Sale Agreements - Albemarle will sell 51% of its Ketjen refining catalyst solutions business to KPS Capital Partners and transfer its 50% stake in the European catalyst joint venture Eurecat to Axens [1] - Post-transaction, Albemarle and KPS Capital Partners will hold 49% and 51% stakes in Ketjen, respectively [1] - Albemarle will retain 100% ownership of Ketjen's high-performance catalyst solutions business (PCS), including the PCS production facility located in Pasadena, Texas [1] Group 2: Business Focus and Use of Proceeds - Ketjen is recognized as a global manufacturer of advanced catalyst solutions, with applications in petrochemicals, transportation, construction, and agriculture [1] - The funds obtained from these transactions will be used to reduce debt and for general corporate purposes, aligning with the company's strategic focus [1]

Core Viewpoint - Albemarle Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a controlling stake in Ketjen Corporation's refining catalyst solutions business to KPS Capital Partners, while also selling its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture to Axens SA, expecting total pre-tax proceeds of approximately $660 million from both transactions [1][2][7]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Albemarle will retain a 49% stake in Ketjen after the transaction, while KPS will own 51% and have operational control [2][3]. - The completion of both transactions is anticipated in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [2][7]. - The proceeds from these transactions are expected to be used for debt reduction and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The CEO of Albemarle expressed confidence in KPS's expertise in managing large manufacturing businesses, indicating a belief in Ketjen's growth potential under KPS's direction [3]. - The transactions align with Albemarle's strategic priorities to focus on core businesses, improve financial flexibility, and streamline operations [3]. Group 3: Company Background - Albemarle Corporation is a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health, with a focus on lithium and bromine supply [4]. - Ketjen's refining catalyst solutions business serves global customers in 25 markets, providing advanced catalyst solutions for the petrochemical and refining industries [6].