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].

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of SUSONITY by Global New Materials International is a strategic move to enhance its position in the global surface performance solutions market, with a transaction value of €665 million (approximately ¥5.187 billion) [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes SUSONITY's production bases and global sales network in Germany, Japan, and the United States [1] - The deal is expected to reshape the competitive landscape of the industry and propel Global New Materials International towards becoming a leader in surface performance solutions [1] Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The product portfolio, supply chain, and regional coverage of Global New Materials International and SUSONITY are highly complementary, which will significantly expand the company's global business reach [2] - SUSONITY holds a 22% global market share in high-end surface solutions, particularly in the automotive and cosmetics sectors, enhancing Global New Materials International's market influence [2] - The acquisition will facilitate access to SUSONITY's established sales network and premium customer resources in Europe, America, and major Asian countries [2] Group 3: Financial Performance and Growth - Global New Materials International has shown strong financial performance, with a projected revenue growth of 55% and a net profit increase of over 33% in 2024, maintaining a gross margin above 50% [3] - The company is also expanding its production capacity, with a new project for 30,000 tons of pearl materials set to launch in February 2024, and a new synthetic mica production base expected to be operational by the end of 2025 [3] Group 4: Future Outlook - The acquisition is seen as a step towards creating a leading enterprise in pearl pigments that combines German precision manufacturing with Chinese innovation [4] - The core team of SUSONITY will remain intact, and existing operations in Germany, the United States, and Japan will continue [4]

Core Viewpoint - The completion of a €665 million acquisition by Global New Materials International marks the largest cross-border merger in China's pearlescent materials industry, reflecting a shift from being a technology follower to a global rule-maker in the cosmetics and industrial pigments sector [2][4]. Company Overview - Global New Materials International is a leader in the global surface performance materials sector, uniquely covering the entire industry chain from raw materials to high-end pearlescent materials, holding the largest market share in synthetic mica [3]. - The acquired company, SUSONITY, specializes in surface solutions for coatings, cosmetics, and industrial applications, holding a significant position in the high-quality market, particularly in the automotive and cosmetics sectors [3]. Strategic Development - The acquisition of SUSONITY is a significant milestone in Global New Materials International's external development strategy, enhancing its global operational system and transitioning from "Asian manufacturing" to "global operations" [4]. - The integration of production bases in Germany, Japan, and the United States is expected to strengthen the company's strategic depth and cyclical resilience [4]. Financial Impact - Following the acquisition, Global New Materials International anticipates long-term revenue and profit growth, reinforcing its global leadership position in the pearlescent pigment market [4]. - In 2024, the company expects a revenue growth of 55% with a gross margin maintained above 50% [3].

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Merck Surface Solutions by Global New Materials International is a strategic move aimed at accelerating the company's expansion and reshaping the surface performance materials industry landscape [2][7]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition plan was approved unanimously at the shareholders' meeting, with Global New Materials International set to acquire 100% of Merck Surface Solutions for €665 million (approximately ¥5.187 billion), valuing the transaction at 11.08 times the 2023 EBIT [2][6]. - Merck Surface Solutions reported approximately €405 million in revenue and €60 million in EBIT for the fiscal year 2023, holding a significant position in the high-quality pearlescent pigment market, particularly in the automotive and cosmetics sectors [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Expansion - Global New Materials International has been actively expanding, having previously acquired a 42.45% stake in South Korea's largest pearlescent pigment manufacturer, CQV, in 2023, with plans to increase this stake to 45.11% by 2025 [3]. - The company is also developing a new project in Tonglu, Hangzhou, with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons of synthetic mica, further enhancing its market presence [3]. Group 3: Synergy and Market Position - The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies beyond mere capacity expansion, including enhanced sales channels, product offerings, and supply chain efficiencies [4][5]. - Merck Surface Solutions' established customer base in high-end markets, including luxury automotive and leading cosmetics brands, will provide Global New Materials International with valuable access to international markets [4][5]. Group 4: Future Integration Plans - The integration of Merck Surface Solutions is anticipated to be completed by July 2025, with a focus on deepening collaboration across various operational dimensions, including production, supply chain, R&D, and human resources [6]. - The strategic acquisition aligns with the trend of consolidation in the pearlescent pigment industry, positioning Chinese enterprises to become global leaders in this sector [7].