KPS to Drive Growth and Innovation
Raquel Vargas Palmer, managing partner at KPS, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, calling it an opportunity to harness the firm’s “decades of global manufacturing expertise” to strengthen Ketjen’s independence and fuel expansion.
“We will create an entrepreneurial culture centered on innovation and continuous improvement while providing strategic support and capital to accelerate the company’s growth,” Palmer said.
Michael Simmons, president of Ketjen, echoed that optimism, highlighting KPS’s reputation for revitalizing industrial and specialty materials businesses.
“We are confident they are the right partner to support our long-term growth,” Simmons said, adding that the Ketjen team is “excited to embark on this next chapter as an independent company.”
A Parallel Exit from Eurecat Joint Venture
In a separate transaction, Albemarle will sell its 50% stake in Eurecat, a catalyst services provider jointly operated with Ketjen, to Axens SA, a leader in oil and biomass conversion technologies.
Both transactions are expected to close in the first half of 2026, with Albemarle planning to use the proceeds to pay down debt and support general corporate initiatives.
