Illinois Tool Works Inc. acquires AppliChem GmbH

GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS – (January 10, 2012) Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) today announced the acquisition of the AppliChem GmbH, a German based chemical company with particular focus on fine chemicals and biochemical products for laboratory, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

Founded in 1992 and lead by Dr. Frasch and Dr. Oeler, AppliChem GmbH has its production facility in Darmstadt (Germany) with some 130 employees. The Company exports 50% of its products to 70 Countries all over the world.

“AppliChem is going to play key role in the development of value-added chemicals, reagents, and life science products. A process that began in 2010 with the acquisition of Panreac Quimica SLU and Nova Chimica Srl” said Joan Roget, Panreac´s General Manager.

AppliChem GmbH will become part of ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids and  will be integrated strategically into the business platform led by Panreac Quimica SLU. The former owners and CEOs Dr. Frasch and Dr. Oeler are supposed to continue their management activities as the Company’s CEOs.

With nearly 100 years of history, Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer The Company's value-added consumables, equipment and service businesses serve customers in developed as well as emerging markets around the globe. ITW's key business platforms, including welding, automotive OEM, industrial packaging, food equipment, construction, polymers and fluids, test and measurement, electronics, decorative surfaces and automotive aftermarket, employ more than 60,000 people worldwide. ITW's revenues in total amount to $15.4 billion in 2010, with more than half of these generated outside of the United States.

SOURCE Illinois Tool Works Inc.