Reflecting on the state of mergers and acquisitions in the chemicals and materials industries for 2024 and looking ahead to 2025, Kevin Yttre, President and Managing Director at Grace Matthews, joins host Victoria Meyer on The Chemical Show. Following recent supply chain disruptions and unpredictable business performance, Kevin shares his insights on the improved conditions that have led to increased deal activity and optimism for the future. Emphasizing the importance of steady-state performance for valuation, they discuss the evolving competitive landscape, including heightened interest from private equity and international firms.

Victoria and Kevin discuss the increasing sophistication of M&A processes, underscoring the necessity for thorough due diligence and strategic preparation. They explore the ongoing interest from international companies, the influence of private equity in driving competition, and the external factors impacting market stability. Kevin also provides career advice on transitioning into investment banking, highlighting the pivotal role of an MBA and other pathways within the industry. This episode offers valuable insights into the current and future trends in the chemicals and materials sector's mergers and acquisitions landscape, setting the stage for what's to come in 2025.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Observations and assessments on chemicals and materials M&A activity in 2024
• Valuation trends in 2024: The current methodologies and commonly used markers for chemical businesses
• Analyzing the current competitive landscape through private equity activity and the availability of capital
• Critical factors in M&A in 2025
• Leadership and career pathways in M&A

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Ep 106: Insights to M&A in Chemical and Materials Industry with Kevin Yttre

Grace Matthews Newsletter: Momentum Building into 2025: Strategies for M&A Success (Winter 2024)

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Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

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Discover how microscopic quantities of ingredients can make a monumental difference in everyday products. Victoria Meyer talks with Greg Adamson, Senior VP at Givaudan, about the world of fragrances and flavors. Greg brings insights from his journey as a toxicologist, touching on his experiences in both biotech and the household and consumer products industry. They dive into Givaudan’s crucial role in creating tastes and scents that are ever-present in our daily lives, and the complex regulations that ensure their safety and efficacy.

Greg and Victoria explore the intricate dance between innovation and regulation. From influencing global chemical policies to ensuring that industry practices align with stringent safety standards, Greg discusses how Givaudan navigates these challenges. They also address the critical distinction between hazard and risk, and the pursuit of standardized regulations to simplify global operations. For those in the chemical industry or simply curious about the science behind everyday smells and tastes, this episode sheds light on the innovative and regulatory landscape of flavors and fragrances.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Greg's career moves from Australian toxicologist to leading global regulatory
• Givaudan's presence in consumer products and the importance of HCPA
• Regulatory priorities and challenges: striving for national standardized regulations to increase innovation in chemicals
• The importance of educating regulators and stakeholders on hazards versus risks
• The importance of leading with passion

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Download: 7 Trends Shaping the Future of the Chemical Industry

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube.

***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision

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Uncover the five key themes shaping the household and commercial products landscapes for 2025 as Victoria Meyer delves into insights from the HCPA annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For professionals in the chemical industry, staying informed about regulatory changes, state-level initiatives, and sustainability efforts is crucial.

Victoria explores critical topics such as EPA regulations, state legislation alignment, extended producer responsibility, and the drive towards greener products. State-level regulation shifts are creating complex challenges, and the introduction of new administrations may have significant impacts on policies and business practices. Featuring clips from conversations with industry experts like Steve Caldeira, Steve Bennett, Mike Gruber, Nicholas Georges, and Molly Blessing, this episode provides a deep dive into the priorities and pressing issues within the HCPA.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• HCPA's overarching themes: safety, efficacy, appropriate use, and transparency, in products and regulations
• Building a more effective EPA and keeping consumers safe through PRIA and TSCA
• Navigating state regulations and driving alignment
• Making sustainability more available and easier to engage with in the chemical industry
• Safe use of household and commercial products
• Effects of Trump's Administration on the chemical industry

Other links:

Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube.

***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.
***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision

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From transforming control room roles to managing "startup hangovers," Bonnie Tully's journey in the chemical industry is a masterclass in navigating complexity and fostering innovation. As COO of Evonik, Bonnie shares her insights with host Victoria Meyer on the evolution of industry roles, the critical importance of middle management, and future trends involving AI and project-centric environments.

Want more leadership insights? Download: 10 Leadership Lessons for Chemical Executives

Bonnie's recount of her experience in setting up a plant in Singapore, managing a diverse team, and implementing a multicultural work environment highlights the intricacies of global operations. Victoria and Bonnie explore the shift towards self-managing employees, the essential role of middle management in maintaining company cohesion, and strategies for attracting top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Bonnie Tully's career origin, evolution, and the 3 biggest changes she's seen in the chemical industry in the span of her career
• Transformation of chemical industry roles
• Trends in the chemical industry and looking to the future: what's next?
• Setting up culture from scratch and the "startup hangover"
• Tackling the talent attraction perspective, creating a unified culture, and social media's role

Listen: Ep 165 Achieving Success in Chemicals: Sustainability and Leadership with Bonnie Tully of Evonik

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Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision

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Episode 191

As 2024 comes to a close, leaders in the chemical industry are strategizing to finish strong and start fast into 2025. In this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria Meyer discusses the top four moves that leaders should focus on to ensure momentum into the new year.

Victoria emphasizes the importance of running through the finish line and maintaining stride into the next year. She identifies several dynamic factors that will impact 2025, including a new U.S. administration, global political changes, and upcoming regulatory shifts. Exploring these key elements, Victoria offers strategies to navigate the evolving landscape and turn change into opportunity.

Join us to explore the following key topics this week:

• Reinforce Relationships
• Stress Test Scenarios
• Strengthen Your Supply Chain Strategy
• Assess and Advance Your Career

Other links:

Episode 189 with Patty Summers

10 Leadership Lessons from Chemical Executives

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Mark your calendars for The Chemical Summit, September 30-October 1, 2025 – the premier leadership conference by leaders for leaders.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

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Episode 190 Shownotes

In this The Chemical Show Classic, we highlight a previous interview with Michael Graff who recently retired from his position as Chairman & CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and Executive Vice President of Air Liquide Group. Mike was particularly passionate about the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy solution and actively advocated for its adoption. As an officer of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), Mike was recently recognized for his contributions in significantly to shaping the future of the chemical industry. His retirement marks the end of a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable practices.

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The chemical industry plays a crucial role in modern society. The ability to leverage innovation, the ability to meet a customer's needs, the ability to go ahead and leverage at a global scale, and the capabilities to meet the world's needs are all very prominent today and vital to industrial gases and chemicals.

In this podcast episode, Victoria Meyer speaks with Michael Graff, Chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings and EVP of the Air Liquide Group. Michael shares leadership, learnings and insights from more than 30 years in the energy, chemicals, and gas industries.

Topics discussed this week:

• Mike’s origin story and how it has influenced his life and career
• 6 key themes in the evolution of the chemical industry in the past 30 years
• The importance of Innovation
• The role of Hydrogen in sustainability and Net Zero
• Leveraging partnerships and coalitions for a common goal
• Meeting the consumers’ needs around the world
• The continued importance of engineering education

Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision

• Access the breadth and depth of ICIS intelligence
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• Insights your way – from summaries to detailed reports

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Sharing insights on the complexities of managing global chemical businesses, Patty Summers, Global Business Director at Zeochem, joins host Victoria Meyer on this episode of The Chemical Show. Patty, drawing from her extensive experience in the molecular sieve industry, discusses how Zeochem navigates diverse regional markets through strategic partnerships with distributors and agents. She shares valuable insights about doing business in India's ethanol market, where government initiatives and unique funding structures significantly impact project timelines, and explains the critical importance of having local presence and understanding cultural nuances in different regions.

*** Download our Guide to Seven Trends Influencing the Chemical Industry through 2030 at https://thechemicalshow.com/7trends/ ***

Victoria and Patty discuss how mid-sized chemical companies can effectively balance global strategy with local execution, particularly in today's challenging market conditions. Summers discusses the role of sustainability in different regions, noting how natural gas continues to serve as a bridge fuel in the energy transition. Victoria and Patty also make note of the potential impact of changing trade policies and tariffs, particularly regarding U.S.-China trade relations, and how companies like Zeochem are adapting their sourcing and market strategies in response. Patty emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent long-term strategies while remaining adaptable to regional market dynamics and regulatory changes.

Join us to learn more about the following topics this week:

• Global Business Partnerships: The importance of distributors and agents
• Cultural considerations in international markets, focusing on India and the Middle East
• India's ethanol market and project-based business management
• Sustainability and Clean Energy Transition: Natural gas as a bridge fuel
• Trade Policy Impact: Discussion of tariffs and their effects on global business
• Regional market strategy and managing business across diverse global markets

Other links:

Confronting Change In The Chemical Industry: Discussing Leadership And Sustainability with Patty Summers

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***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.
***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com

Thank you to our sponsors:
Celebrating 40 years, the World Petrochemical Conference by S&P Global is the most prestigious global industry gathering for chemical innovation, insight, and collaboration. WPC has a rich history of providing unmatched market intelligence and convening top industry leaders and influential thinkers to discuss the solutions that will unlock pathways for growth and transformation. Join us in Houston, TX, March 17-21, 2025, to commemorate our 40th Anniversary! Visit their website to learn more.

Transforming data into decisions with GenAI precision

• Access the breadth and depth of ICIS intelligence
• Fast, reliable answers to your market questions
• Insights your way – from summaries to detailed reports

Ask ICIS, your AI assistant
Visit ICIS.com/ask