MEDIA RELEASE PR41631
The Valence Group Announces the formation of a Senior Executive Panel
LONDON, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
The Valence Group, the specialist chemicals M&A advisory boutique, today announces the formation of a Senior
Executive Panel to provide its clients with access to the strategic insight and experience of senior executives who
have run major chemical companies or have acted as principal investor in the sector.
The founding members of the Senior Executive Panel are:
-- Brendan Cummins, former CEO of Ciba Specialty Chemicals
-- David Lilley, former CEO of Cytec Industries
-- Lasse Kurkilahti, former CEO of Kemira
-- Tony Clinch, former Managing Director of CVC Capital Partners and
Chairman Elect of The Valence Group
Brendan Cummins was previously Chief Executive of Ciba Specialty Chemicals, the world leading CHF 6.5
billion ($5.8 billion, EUR 4.1 billion) sales Swiss-listed specialty chemical company. Brendan lead Ciba as COO
from 2005 and as CEO from 2007 until its acquisition by BASF for CHF 6.1 billion ($5.5 billion, EUR 3. 8 billion) in
late 2008, being on of the most significant M&A transactions in the specialty chemicals sector in recent years.
Brendan's experience includes over 20 years of senior management roles in Asia during which time he was
instrumental in numerous transactions and JVs in the region.
David Lilley was previously Chief Executive of Cytec Industries; the U.S. listed $3.6 billion, (EUR 2.8 billion)
sales specialty chemical and materials company. David led Cytec as CEO from 1999 until his retirement in at the
end of 2008. During David's tenure, Cytec's portfolio significantly evolved through both acquisitions and
divestitures, thereby contributing to the company's world leadership positions in its targeted markets. David now
serves on the Board of Directors of Arch Chemicals, Rockwell Collins and PSEG.
Lasse Kurkilahti was previously Chief Executive of Kemira, the EUR 2.8 billion ($3.9 billion) sales listed Finnish
specialty chemical company. Lasse led Kemira as CEO from 2004 through 2007, a period in which M&A was an
integral component of the company's strategic development. Prior to Kemira, Lasse held a number of CEO posts
including at Raisio Group, Elcoteq Network and Nokian Tyres.
Tony Clinch was previously Managing Director with CVC Capital Partners for 20 years. While at CVC, Tony was
instrumental in making, growing and exiting many significant private equity investments including several chemical
and materials deals such as the purchase and subsequent IPO of Victrex, Acordis, Flint Ink, Taminco and Adisseo
and its subsequent sale to ChemChina. He is an experienced non-executive director of Private equity backed and
publicly listed businesses. Tony is also Chairman Elect of The Valence Group.
Peter Hall, Partner, said: "This Panel brings together a wealth of global experience in the chemicals industry -
both managerial and transactional. The breadth and depth of senior-level expertise will be of major value to our
clients as they evaluate transactions in the chemicals and materials sector."
Telly Zachariades, Partner, also commented: "The Valence Group has already established itself as a premier
M&A advisor to the global chemical industry and the formation of this Panel further distinguished our unique
capabilities in the sector."
About The Valence Group
The Valence Group is a specialist M&A boutique offering advisory services exclusively to companies and
investors in the chemicals, materials and related sectors. The firm has developed broad and deep transactional
expertise: sell-side, buy-side, joint venture, private companies, public offers, corporate carve-outs, LBOs and
management buy-outs. The founders and senior members of The Valence Group collectively have more than 130
years of transactional experience gained both at major investment banks and within chemical companies. The
firm's offices are located in London, New York and Shanghai.
SOURCE: The Valence Group
CONTACT: Paul Lakind, Chief Administrative Officer, +1-212-847-7339, plakind@valencegroup.com
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