Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc, the parent company of Dynamic Synthesis, and Groupe Novasep SAS have announced their intent to merge the Groupe Novasep and Dynamic Synthesis businesses to form a new standalone company within Rockwood. The merger will join together Groupe Novasep's proprietary separation technologies with Dynamic Synthesis' world-class fine chemical capabilities to create a unique, technology-driven company serving the life sciences industry.

The parties expect to enter into a definitive agreement very shortly. The newly formed company will adopt the Groupe Novasep name and will be headquartered in Pompey, France. Roger-Marc Nicoud, founder and CEO of Groupe Novasep, will assume the role of President and CEO of the combined company. Rockwood will be the majority shareholder of Groupe Novasep, and the management will hold a significant stake in the company.

Roger-Marc Nicoud stated, "Groupe Novasep's merger with Dynamic Synthesis brings together two highly capable and complementary organizations. Both companies have unique skills that when joined will allow us to provide our customers the best technical and most economical solutions, whether it be through providing development services, separation systems or contract manufacturing using chemistry, chromatography or a combination of the two. In the life science market today, customers demand higher purity levels, cost efficient solutions, strict regulatory and operational controls, and shorter times to market. Our vision for the new company is to be the integrated and innovative resource customers count on to meet all of these requirements."

Roger-Marc Nicoud added, "It is an enormous plus for us to have the full support of Rockwood and its shareholders, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and DLJ Merchant Banking, in growing our business and becoming a truly global company."

Seifi Ghasemi, Chairman and CEO of Rockwood, stated, "We are committed to making certain our Dynamic Synthesis business has unparalleled technologies, capabilities and assets.