The Valence Group Announces the formation of a Senior Executive Panel

News provided by

Oct 06, 2010, 10:56 ET

LONDON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The Valence Group, the specialist chemicals M&A advisory boutique, today announces the formation of a Senior Executive Panel to provide its clients with access to the strategic insight and experience of senior executives who have run major chemical companies or have acted as principal investor in the sector.

The founding members of the Senior Executive Panel are:

Brendan Cummins, former CEO of Ciba Specialty Chemicals
David Lilley, former CEO of Cytec Industries
Lasse Kurkilahti, former CEO of Kemira
Tony Clinch, former Managing Director of CVC Capital Partners and Chairman Elect of The Valence Group

Brendan Cummins was previously Chief Executive of Ciba Specialty Chemicals, the world leading CHF 6.5 billion ($5.8 billion, EUR 4.1 billion) sales Swiss-listed specialty chemical company. Brendan lead Ciba as COO from 2005 and as CEO from 2007 until its acquisition by BASF for CHF 6.1 billion ($5.5 billion, EUR 3. 8 billion) in late 2008, being on of the most significant M&A transactions in the specialty chemicals sector in recent years. Brendan's experience includes over 20 years of senior management roles in Asia during which time he was instrumental in numerous transactions and JVs in the region.

David Lilley was previously Chief Executive of Cytec Industries; the U.S. listed $3.6 billion, (EUR 2.8 billion) sales specialty chemical and materials company. David led Cytec as CEO from 1999 until his retirement in at the end of 2008. During David's tenure, Cytec's portfolio significantly evolved through both acquisitions and divestitures, thereby contributing to the company's world leadership positions in its targeted markets. David now serves on the Board of Directors of Arch Chemicals, Rockwell Collins and PSEG.

Lasse Kurkilahti was previously Chief Executive of Kemira, the EUR 2.8 billion ($3.9 billion) sales listed Finnish specialty chemical company. Lasse led Kemira as CEO from 2004 through 2007, a period in which M&A was an integral component of the company's strategic development. Prior to Kemira, Lasse held a number of CEO posts including at Raisio Group, Elcoteq Network and Nokian Tyres.

Tony Clinch was previously Managing Director with CVC Capital Partners for 20 years. While at CVC, Tony was instrumental in making, growing and exiting many significant private equity investments including several chemical and materials deals such as the purchase and subsequent IPO of Victrex, Acordis, Flint Ink ,Taminco and Adisseo and its subsequent sale to ChemChina. He is an experienced non-executive director of Private equity backed and publicly listed businesses. Tony is also Chairman Elect of The Valence Group.

Peter Hall, Partner, said: "This Panel brings together a wealth of global experience in the chemicals industry – both managerial and transactional. The breadth and depth of senior-level expertise will be of major value to our clients as they evaluate transactions in the chemicals and materials sector."

Telly Zachariades, Partner, also commented: "The Valence Group has already established itself as a premier M&A advisor to the global chemical industry and the formation of this Panel further distinguished our unique capabilities in the sector."

About The Valence Group

The Valence Group is a specialist M&A boutique offering advisory services exclusively to companies and investors in the chemicals, materials and related sectors. The firm has developed broad and deep transactional expertise: sell-side, buy-side, joint venture, private companies, public offers, corporate carve-outs, LBOs and management buy-outs. The founders and senior members of The Valence Group collectively have more than 130 years of transactional experience gained both at major investment banks and within chemical companies. The firm's offices are located in London, New York and Shanghai.

http://www.valencegroup.com

SOURCE The Valence Group