History

The Arkema Group was created in October 2004 from the reorganization of Total’s Chemicals branch. Its three business segments, Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products, combine coherent and integrated industrial activities, most of which boast either world or European leading rankings, with internationally recognized brands and products

Present in over 40 countries with 13,800 employees, the Arkema Group operates 80 industrial facilities in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as sales subsidiaries in every region of the world. With a resolutely international presence, a solid commercial ranking, an industrial strategy focused on new plants and development projects, and a sound financial structure, Arkema’s assets combine to make the Company a major world chemical player.

Key Dates

2011	June 20 - Arkema enters the CAC 60 Paris stock market index July 1 - Arkema completes the acquisition of Total’s Coatings Resins and Photocure Resins
2010	January - Dow finalizes the sale to Arkema of acrylic acid, esters and specialty latex assets in North America September - Arkema is awarded Pierre Potier prize for Kynar Aquatec® November - Arkema announces an ambitious 5-year growth plan November - Arkema successfully finalizes its first REACH registration phase
2008	April - Initial share capital increase operation reserved for Arkema personnel is a success
2007	June 5 - First Arkema General Shareholders Meeting October - Arkema finalizes the acquisition of Coatex
2006	May 18 - Arkema’s launch on the Paris stock market (Segment A of Eurolist by EuronextTM).
2004	October 1st - Creation of Arkema.
2002	Launch of "Common Ground®" community relations initiative
2000	April - Creation of Atofina, the merged chemical activities of TotalFina and Elf following the merger of both groups in 1999.
1992	Atochem becomes Elf Atochem.
1990	Reorganization of the French chemical sector: pooling of petrochemicals, styrenics, fertilizers and Orkem’s acrylics within Atochem; integration of specialties within Total (resins and paints).Acquisition of organic peroxide business from Montedison.
1983	Creation of Atochem - Reorganization of the French chemical sector around Atochem, a wholly owned Elf Aquitaine subsidiary, with the activities of ATO Chimie, Chloé Chimie and the majority of PCUK.
1981	Acquisition of CECA.
1980	Creation of Chloé Chimie (40% Elf Aquitaine, 40% Total and 20% Rhône-Poulenc).
1973	Creation of ATO Chimie.
1971	Creation of ATO (Aquitaine Total Organico) between Elf and Total; a groupement d'intérêt économique managing the two Groups’s common chemical activities. Creation of PCUK (Produits Chimiques Ugine Kuhlmann).