Bayer MaterialScience is to transfer EXATEC shares to GE Plastics

Bayer MaterialScience is to transfer its shares in EXATEC to GE Plastics. This transaction will be completed subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. No statement will be made concerning the financial aspects.

With this decision, Bayer MaterialScience has opted to carry out its own independent development of polycarbonate automotive glazing, a market that is set to enjoy future growth. EXATEC was founded in 1998 as a 50:50 joint venture between Bayer and GE with the aim of developing technologies to produce automotive glazing systems from polycarbonate. The collaboration was instrumental in introducing polycarbonate to the market of automotive glazing. With immediate effect, Bayer MaterialScience will provide all customers with ongoing development of technologies for polycarbonate glazing and the tailor-made plastic Makrolon®.

Dr. Günter Hilken, head of the Polycarbonates Business Unit at Bayer MaterialScience, said: “In the next few years, Bayer MaterialScience anticipates fast growth in the potential applications for polycarbonate, particularly in the market for large panorama roofs. Several manufacturers are already confident of the advantages of our high-tech Makrolon®, for example Mercedes®, who are using it in the roof module of the GL-Class, and smart®, who are deploying it in the panorama roof of the new fortwo®.” Hilken added that, in the medium and long term, the freedom of design offered by the material, its weight saving and the opportunities it provides for integration mean it can also be used for rear windows, and open up further areas of application within the automotive industry.