GLG News by Ethylene Crackers Experts

Paul HodgesChairmanInternational eChem

UK media speculate over Ineos asset deals as EBITDA doubles

March 16, 2010

Ineos' EBITDA doubled last year to €1222m from €594m in 2008. Its liquidity has also improved by €100m as a result of the Kerling divestment, whilst the $350m fluorochemicals sale completes later this month. But as its Chairman Jim Ratcliffe told The Times in December, "at some stage there has to be an asset sale". Ineos is the UK's largest privately-owned company. The UK media are therefore starting to keep a close eye on developments.

Paul HodgesChairmanInternational eChem

Chemical companies see no sign of a quick recovery

February 26, 2010

Analysis of:BASF damps hopes of quick recovery | www.ft.com

The chemical industry is a well-known leading indicator for the world economy. If a recovery was in sight for 2010, then companies would be seeing it by now. In fact, my usual survey of quarterly reports shows great unease, with CEOs worrying what will happen in the West as stimulus programmes fade. Sinopec also now sees challenges ahead. Only Reliance, focused on the Indian market, strikes an optimistic tone.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Sunoco Polypropylene Good Deal for Braskem

February 1, 2010

Analysis of:Sunoco Announces Agreement To Sell Polypropylene Business | www.thestreet.com

Braskem hits the polypropylene market as demand and prices are rising. The price of $350 million is just about half of replacement cost.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Braskem is Coming North

January 26, 2010

Analysis of:Quattor acquisition does not alter US plans, says Braskem CEO | www.bnamericas.com

Braskem is now the largest polyethylene producer in the Americas. They have aggressive expansion plans that include purchasing US assets and new facilities in other Latin American countries.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Good news for PET

January 25, 2010

Analysis of:Coke's New Bottle Is Part Plant | online.wsj.com

Coke's new plant-based PET still requires the production of the plastic. So here's an environmentally responsible measure that does not hurt PET.

Paul HodgesChairmanInternational eChem

Restocking not the same as Recovery

January 25, 2010

Analysis of:The Profit and Pain of Stimulus | online.wsj.com

Chemical companies are certain to report better results in comparison to the dreadful picture seen in Q4 2008/Q1 2009. But restocking, and support from government stimulus programmes, is not the same as a full consumer-led recovery. Volumes and margins are likely to remain under pressure, compared to the Boom years of 2003-7.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

More Ethylene Expansions in the Middle East – “A Seat at the Table”

January 7, 2010

Analysis of:Exxon signs petchem plant deal with Qatar | www.reuters.com

Now that it seems the glut of ethylene capacity coming on in the Middle East and China will fit nicely into growing markets, more expansions are being announced. We have seen this during every cycle in petrochemical markets – there are many preemptive capacity announcements. Not all of them will be built.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

Caustic Soda in Asia – Classic Problem

January 4, 2010

Analysis of:OUTLOOK ‘10: Asia caustic soda sees greater price flexibility | www.icis.com

Uncertainty about basic markets affecting caustic soda in Asia, namely the Australian alumina market and PVC markets, have buyers trying to shift to more flexible contract terms for caustic soda from traditional six month fixed price contracts. A flat price versus a variable price is a classic hedging problem. Asian buyers and sellers now might have a hedging tool to address this problem.

Kevin BoyleConsultantKEVIN L BOYLE

What happens with ethylene capacity after 2012

December 7, 2009

Analysis of:Saudi poised to become global petrochem hub | www.tradearabia.com

Petrochemical growth in the Middle East over the next few years will be "substantial," to say the least. But where do petrochemicals go from there. While Middle Eastern source promise more growth in capacity through 2015, there are three reasons to wonder: First, where will the money come from; second, is there cheaper capacity that might be available; and, third, just what is the region's continuing competitive advantage in petrochemicals?

Paul HodgesChairmanInternational eChem

Lenders in the driving seat with INEOS

December 5, 2009

Analysis of:Sales the key as Ineos juggles £5.9bn debt | business.timesonline.co.uk

Lenders are retaking control of debt markets, after a long period when buyers had the upper hand. Leading chemical company INEOS says it may be forced to make asset sales, if EBITDA targets are not met. But valuations today are much lower than in the Boom period, and buyers have become more choosy.

Previous Page : 12345678910Next31 to 40 of 99