DuPont agrees to sell its Sontara global nonwovens business to Jacob Holm, a Switzerland-based producer of spunlaced nonwoven fabrics; sale is expected to close in Q3 2014, will include Sontara's sites in Asturias, Spain, and Old Hickory, Tennessee

Debra Garcia

WILMINGTON, Delaware, and BASEL, Switzerland , June 17, 2014 (press release) – DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) and JACOB HOLM & SØNNER HOLDING A/S (Jacob Holm) today announced they have signed a definitive agreement for Jacob Holm to acquire the DuPont™ Sontara® business. The sale is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014, pending customary regulatory approvals. Sontara® is a global nonwovens business that produces products used in a variety of medical and wipes applications. Jacob Holm is a leading company for spunlaced nonwoven fabrics.

“We are grateful to the current and past employees of Sontara® for their contribution to DuPont over the last 40 years and we are pleased to see the business well-positioned for success in the future as part of Jacob Holm, a world-class organization dedicated to the nonwovens industry,” said Marc Doyle, president, DuPont Protection Technologies.

“The combination of Jacob Holm and Sontara® complements two strong players and creates a new industry innovation leader for spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. The broader range of technology know-how results in higher innovation capabilities in product development and offers promising business opportunities to the benefit of our customers and our employees. We very much look forward to working with our new colleagues and partners who will undoubtedly contribute to the successful development of our group,” explained Martin Mikkelsen, CEO of the Jacob Holm Group.

At closing, Jacob Holm will acquire Sontara® assets at DuPont sites in Asturias, Spain; Old Hickory, Tenn.; and approximately 240 employees worldwide, primarily in Spain and the United States.

Jacob Holm is a leading company for spunlaced nonwoven fabrics. Founded in 1794, the company has production facilities in France and the USA and is headquartered in Switzerland. About 230 employees produce high-quality and innovative spunlaced nonwovens. The company’s products serve customers in the Home Care, Hygiene and Industrial markets. For additional information about Jacob Holm, please visit www.jacob-holm.com.

DuPont Protection Technologies is a leader in technologies and products that protect people, the environment and critical assets worldwide. For additional information, please visit DuPont Protection Technologies.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.

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