MEXICO CITY (S&P Global Ratings) Oct. 19, 2020--S&P Global Ratings today said that Alpek S.A.B. de C.V.'s (BB+/Stable/--) credit profile isn't affected by the company's announcement of acquiring Nova Chemical's Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) division. In our view, the transaction is part of Alpek's strategy of strengthening its business model, specifically its Plastics&Chemicals division, through value-added products such as EPS and ARCEL. Alpek already maintains EPS in its product portfolio. After the purchase, the company will continue to solidify its position as the largest EPS producer in the Americas, satisfying new market niches in the U.S. to meet the EPS needs of the packaging, construction, automotive sectors, among others, while capturing operating and logistical efficiencies to maintain its profitability
