Core Viewpoint - The completion of a cross-border acquisition by Global New Materials International for €665 million marks a significant milestone in the pearl pigment industry, positioning the company among the global leaders and enhancing its international market presence [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition, finalized in July, involves the transfer of Surface Solutions business assets from Merck, including subsidiaries and production bases in Germany, Japan, and the United States, primarily serving the automotive, cosmetics, and industrial sectors [2][4]. - The transaction price of €665 million is approximately 3.4 times Global New Materials International's projected revenue of 1.649 billion yuan for 2024 [2]. - The acquired assets generated a revenue of €402 million in 2024, indicating a potential tripling of Global New Materials International's revenue post-acquisition [2][11]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is likened to Geely's purchase of Volvo, showcasing a strategic move to capitalize on favorable market conditions and enhance competitive positioning in high-end markets [3][4]. - Global New Materials International aims to maintain the original management team and brand identity of the acquired business, fostering a collaborative environment to leverage existing strengths [4][8]. - The company anticipates achieving synergies that will strengthen its supply chain, reduce production costs, and enhance its global market reach [4][12]. Market Context - The global pearl materials market was valued at 23.5 billion yuan in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.1% from 2016 to 2023, projected to reach 44 billion yuan by 2030 [9]. - The automotive coatings market is expected to grow from $23.72 billion in 2023 to $57.27 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.4% [11]. - The acquisition positions Global New Materials International to capitalize on the growing demand in the automotive coatings sector, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles [11][12]. Company Evolution - Founded in 2011, Global New Materials International has rapidly ascended from a local manufacturer to a significant player in the international market, completing multiple strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities [7][8]. - The company has established a comprehensive production capacity for synthetic mica and is expanding its operations to meet the growing demand for high-end materials [11].

Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Merck Group's surface solutions business (SUSO) 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 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Company Backgrounds - Merck Group, one of the oldest chemical and pharmaceutical companies, has evolved into a global pharmaceutical giant with revenues of €17.4 billion in life sciences and healthcare in 2024 [2]. - Merck's semiconductor solutions business accounted for 69% of its electronic technology revenue in 2024, while SUSO's contribution declined to only 11%, leading to its divestment [2][3]. - Global New Materials International, established in 2011, has rapidly grown to become China's largest synthetic mica and pearlescent pigment manufacturer, achieving revenues of ¥1.649 billion in 2024, a 55% increase year-on-year [7][18]. Group 2: Strategic Acquisition - The acquisition price for SUSO was €665 million (approximately ¥5.187 billion), with a valuation of 11.08 times EBIT for the 2023 fiscal year, significantly lower than initial estimates [16]. - Global New Materials International's confidence in the acquisition stems from its proprietary core technologies and strong financial performance, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 27% over the past five years [17][18]. - The integration of SUSO is expected to enhance Global New Materials' production capabilities and market reach, leveraging SUSO's established global sales network and brand reputation [12][20]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The global demand for synthetic mica is increasing, driven by its applications in cosmetics and automotive coatings, as natural mica faces supply constraints and regulatory challenges [3][4][22]. - The collaboration between Global New Materials and SUSO is anticipated to create a comprehensive product matrix that covers high, medium, and low-end markets, reducing reliance on low-cost competition [21][23]. - The strategic partnership is expected to enhance both companies' operational efficiencies, reduce procurement costs, and improve profitability, particularly in high-value sectors like automotive and cosmetics [13][20]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The merger is projected to lead to the formation of a global new materials industry group, enhancing the competitive positioning of both companies in the international market [21][24]. - The integration of technologies and resources is expected to foster innovation and expand market opportunities, positioning Global New Materials as a leader in the synthetic mica and pearlescent pigment sectors [23][24]. - The successful execution of this acquisition could serve as a model for other Chinese enterprises seeking to expand globally through technology-driven strategies [24].

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 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].

2025年7月31日——环球新材国际控股有限公司（以下简称"环球新材国际"或"公司"，股票代码： 06616.HK）正式宣布，其收购德国默克公司（Merck KGaA）全球表面解决方案业务（Global Surface Solutions）的交易已成功完成所有法律程序并圆满落地。这一战略举措标志着环球新材国际正式成为全 球领先的新材料科技平台型企业，为其全球化战略树立了重要里程碑。 2024年，默克表面解决方案业务营收4.02亿欧元（约合人民币33.06亿元），环球新材国际营收16.49亿 元。并购完成后，环球新材国际将一跃成为以表面功能材料为核心，辐射高性能材料、化妆品及工业应 用等领域的科技产业集团。 关于环球新材国际 分析指出，通过整合默克全球表面解决方案业务，环球新材国际将实现三个维度的战略协同： 技术融合提升创新高度：整合默克顶尖研发资源与环球新材高效产业化能力，创造新一代环保、功能化 高端表面材料； 客户互补拓宽市场边界：融合默克覆盖欧美高端市场及环球新材在新兴市场的优势，构建全球化的客户 体系； 生产布局优化供应链韧性：形成以欧洲为技术支撑、亚太为效率枢纽的全球供应链网络，助力集团实现 降本增效 ...

Core Insights - The acquisition of Merck's Surface Solutions business by Global New Materials International for €665 million marks a significant consolidation in the global pearlescent materials market [1][2] - The integration aims to enhance Global New Materials' product matrix and strengthen its technological capabilities while expanding its global high-end customer base [1][2] Company Overview - Global New Materials International now holds 100% ownership of Merck's Surface Solutions, which has been rebranded as SUSONITY [1] - SUSONITY is the market leader in natural mica-based pearlescent pigments, while Global New Materials is the leader in synthetic mica-based pigments [2] Market Strategy - Post-acquisition, Global New Materials will integrate SUSONITY's international sales channels to expand its global market presence, particularly in automotive coatings and cosmetics [2] - The acquisition is expected to enhance brand premium and pricing power due to SUSONITY's leadership in global pearlescent pigments [2] Operational Integration - SUSONITY will continue to operate as an independent brand, maintaining its core team and existing business structures in Germany, the U.S., and Japan [2] - The production facilities in Germany, Japan, and Georgia, USA, will remain operational and serve as regional hubs, retaining all 1,200 employees [2] Industry Context - The pearlescent materials market is undergoing a restructuring phase, with increasing demand for high-purity, weather-resistant, and environmentally safe applications [3] - The domestic breakthroughs in core raw materials like synthetic mica enable Chinese companies to challenge traditional international giants in the high-end materials sector [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].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state the investment rating for Lily Group Core Insights - Lily Group is a leader in high-performance organic pigments with a comprehensive range of products and color schemes, established in 1995. The company produces high-performance heterocyclic and azo pigments, traditional azo pigments, organic pigment intermediates, and pearl pigments. Its high-performance organic pigments include various specialized types, and the downstream applications primarily include inks (40%), coatings (28%), and plastics (27). The company has over 50 production lines and produces more than 200 types of pigments, capturing approximately 10% of the global market share with a production capacity of over 40,000 tonnes [1][2][3] Horizontal Integration - The company is expected to increase the proportion of high-performance organic pigment products through horizontal integration. These pigments are primarily used in premium inks, automotive paints, and children's toy plastics, with a current high dependency on imports in China. The company has made technological breakthroughs in various application fields, including automotive coatings and food packaging, and has validated high-performance pigments for electronic chemicals with downstream customers [3] Vertical Integration - Lily Group has a complete self-matching product chain through vertical integration. It produces key intermediates required for organic pigment production using basic chemical raw materials. The company has invested in Inner Mongolia New Materials and acquired a controlling interest in Yuansheng Sodium to secure the supply of essential raw materials. A planned investment of 1 billion yuan in a new industrialization project for high-performance organic pigments is expected to generate an annual output value of approximately 1.7 billion yuan once production capacity is reached [3] Dual Business Focus - The company operates in two main areas: "chemical materials" and "new energy materials." It has established a research institute for new energy materials and formed a core team with extensive technical expertise. The production processes for pigment manufacturing and new energy materials share strong similarities, and the company has developed core technologies for new energy materials such as lithium carbonate and Prussian blue [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the pearl pigment market, highlighting its growth potential and investment opportunities [13][14]. Core Insights - The pearl pigment market is characterized by its small and fragmented nature, with significant profit potential driven by new consumer applications in cosmetics, automotive, and batteries. The global market for pearl pigments is projected to grow from 23.5 billion CNY in 2023 to 44 billion CNY by 2030, with a CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2030 [13]. - The report emphasizes the importance of local operational capabilities for companies looking to expand into Africa, particularly in East Africa, where economic growth and political stability are improving [14]. - The upcoming China-Central Asia Summit is expected to create investment opportunities in Central Asia, with a focus on companies like Xinjiang Communications Construction and Qing Song Jianhua [15]. Summary by Sections Weekly Discussion - The pearl pigment market is expected to benefit from increased demand in cosmetics and automotive sectors, with a significant portion of the market being high-end [13]. - The report suggests monitoring the acquisition activities in the pearl pigment sector, particularly the acquisition of a stake in a major Korean manufacturer by a specific company [13]. Cyclical Linkage - Cement prices have decreased to 360 CNY per ton, with a national average shipment rate of 45.7% [16]. - The average price of float glass has dropped to 1229.90 CNY per ton, reflecting a decline in demand and increased inventory levels [16]. - The report highlights the challenges faced by the construction materials sector, including fluctuating prices and demand pressures [16]. National Subsidy Tracking - Recent adjustments to national subsidy policies for home appliances have led to limited supply and increased competition among consumers [17]. - The report anticipates a potential restart of subsidy programs due to rapid consumption of existing funds [17]. Significant Changes - A company plans to invest in a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan, with a total investment of approximately 25.24 million USD [18]. - Another company is acquiring a 51% stake in a chemical firm for about 170 million CNY, enhancing its market position [18]. Market Performance - The construction materials index has shown a decline of 2.14% in the past week, with specific sectors like glass manufacturing and fiberglass experiencing larger drops [20]. - The report notes that the cement market is under pressure due to seasonal factors, with expectations of continued price adjustments [29].