...April 8, 2021 LONDON (S&P Global Ratings) April 8, 2021--S&P Global Ratings said today that Clariant's focus on the production of its core specialty chemicals should help it return to growth and expand margins in the coming years. Swiss-listed chemical producer Clariant AG (###-/Stable/A-3) has concentrated its strategy and investments on care chemicals, catalysis, and natural resources to support growth and innovation, and to strengthen its balance sheet. Clariant adopted during yesterday's annual general meeting a special shareholders' distribution at Swiss franc (CHF) 0.70 per share for both 2019 and 2020. We consider that this gives the company flexibility and will support its ambitions. Clariant also appointed a new CEO, Conrad Keijzer, from January 2021 and has recently affirmed its commitment to producing value-added specialty products, sustainability, and growth. We understand that Clariant's plastic pigments business divestment is underway as of 2021, and that management intends...
