Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Closes Divestment of Surface Solutions to GNMI

• Surface Solutions business divested to Global New Material International (GNMI) for € 665 million
• Transaction enables Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to continue focusing on its strategic technology-driven core businesses
• GNMI to operate Surface Solutions under the new Susonity brand

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, has successfully closed the divestment of its global Surface Solutions business to Global New Material International Holdings Ltd. (HKSE: 6616) following approval by all relevant regulatory authorities and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The selling price amounts to € 665 million. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will use the net proceeds from the divestment to strengthen its strategic core businesses. The Surface Solutions business was transferred to GNMI, one of the largest manufacturers of pearlescent pigments, on July 31, 2025.

“With the closure of this transaction, we are further sharpening our portfolio focus on technology-driven business,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Alongside the recent acquisitions of SpringWorks Therapeutics, HUB Organoids, Unity-SC, and Mirus Bio, the divestiture of non-strategic business remains a key component of our M&A strategy, geared toward ensuring long-term growth through innovation.”

“By divesting Surface Solutions, we are positioning our Electronics business sector even more strongly as a provider of semiconductor solutions. At the same time, GNMI offers new possibilities for the Surface Solutions business. This means that employees will gain long-term future prospects while customers will benefit from a broader product portfolio,” added Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Electronics. “We thank our colleagues for their dedicated work and valuable contributions they have made for our company in the past and wish them all the best for the future.”

“We are delighted to welcome the new employees to our company. Our activities complement one another to a large extent in terms of products, expertise and regional presence. Together, we are on an excellent footing to drive growth in a highly dynamic market segment,” said Ertian Su, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of GNMI.

The transaction covers the global Surface Solutions business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with sales of more than € 400 million in 2024, which GNMI will continue under the new Susonity brand. Around 1,100 employees, more than 600 of whom are based in Germany, have been transferred to GNMI. As part of the agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, GNMI has guaranteed both the future of the Gernsheim site and the employment of its staff based in Germany until 2032. Savannah, USA, and Onahama, Japan, will remain important production sites for Susonity alongside Gernsheim. Moreover, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and GNMI have entered into a series of supply and service agreements to ensure the seamless transition of the business.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will remain the owner of the property at the Gernsheim site. The area used by Surface Solutions will be leased to GNMI on a long-term contract. The GreenTech-Park Fluxum in Gernsheim is not affected by the divestment.