Chemical industry weekly news round-up, Oct. 12

This week in CW:

Ecolab is acquiring Houston-based oilfield chemicals firm Champion Technologies for $2.2 billion cash-and-stock deal, adding 3,300 more employees in over 30 countries. Champion had $1.2 billion in sales in 2011.

Cytec sells its coating resins unit to private equity firm Advent International for $1.15 billion. The unit generated $1.6 billion in sales in 2011.

Rival bids submitted for the purchase of TPC group from Innospec and private equity firm Blackstone Capital. Blackstone submitted a $44-46/share bid—higher than the $40/share buyout agreed to with SK Capital and First Reserve in August.

Solar cell producers from China now face import tariffs of up to 250%.

Ferro cuts its earnings guidance down 42%; also begins restructuring plans and considers selling solar pastes business.

Around the Web:

A Reuters article says NASA’s Mars rover spots unusual rock with similar chemicals to those found on oceanic islands on Earth.

A New York Times article says EPA and the oil industry need a better tracking system for biodiesel fuel production.

A new MIT study reported in Smithsonian magazine says carbon dioxide exposure directly reduces the strength of ice.