Production restructuring in pharmaceutical companies to propel fine chemicals market in North America
02/08/2006. The increasing focus of pharmaceutical companies on research and development as well as their reduced emphasis on captive manufacturing are driving the fine chemicals market in North America. Fine chemicals suppliers offer products at lower costs, reduce marketing time, as well as enable pharma companies to focus on their core competencies and employ beneficial reorganization processes.

So where's the exit? A survey of private equity investments and divestments in the European chemicals sector
17/06/2004. Despite the substantial amount of private equity that has been invested in European chemicals companies in recent years, the industry remains divided as to the long-term appeal of the sector. Only 22 out of 94 major European chemicals investments in the last decade have led to a successful exit. But the tide may now be turning, according to research produced by Ernst & Young.

Using plants as plants
24/08/2001. Biotechnology will transform the production of chemicals according to this article from the McKinsey Quarterly. Despite the substantial risk involved, chemical companies should not give up on biotech just yet.

The alchemy of LBOs
29/05/2001. How can investment bankers achieve better results in chemicals companies than engineers and chemists do? No, it isn't black magic. Here, McKinsey looks at the market issues.