DuPont explores possible sale of performance chemicals unit

The company said the consideration of strategic alternatives for its Performance Chemical segment may include a full or partial separation of each of these businesses through a spin-off, sale or other transaction. The Performance Chemicals business generated total sales of USD 7.2 billion in 2012. DuPont said that it may pursue a different strategic alternative for each business.

The company further said in the statement that the decision to explore strategic alternatives for its Performance Chemicals businesses reflects its ongoing portfolio review to determine how best integrated science can contribute to growth and the optimal mix of businesses for maximizing shareholder value. This follows DuPont's sale of its Performance Coatings business earlier this year and the acquisition of Danisco in 2011.

"As we discussed at our Investors Day in May, we have been carefully weighing the strong cash generation of our Performance Chemicals businesses against their cyclicality and lower growth profile, as well as where the power of DuPont's integrated science can be differentiated," said Ellen Kullman, DuPont Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "We are evaluating options for our Performance Chemicals businesses as part of our ongoing plan to deliver higher growth and greater value creation for our shareholders."

The Viton fluoroelastomers and the Kalrez perfluoroelastomer parts do not belong to the Performance Chemicals business and are not part of the possible sale.