BBA acquires absorbent core producer.

In a slight departure from previous acquisition tactics, BBA Nonwovens, Old Hickory, TN, the third largest roll goods producer in the world, last month completed the acquisition of Korma, an Italian manufacturer of absorbent cores. The company was acquired for an initial cash consideration of [pounds]4 million, with further amounts up [pounds]12 million payable dependent upon the growth of the business. Korma had 1996 sales of [pounds]11 million.

The purchase gives BBA an edge in the hygiene business, where it is already strong through its Fiberweb and Corovin businesses. Korma manufactures absorbent cores based on a proprietary process and will give BBA added value to its product line. According to group chief executive Roberto Quarta, "Korma provides us with a new technology in superabsorbent materials that will provide exciting opportunities for growth in the future...reflect[ing] BBA's commitment to building global businesses through investment and technology." No changes are currently expected at Korma, which will become part of the Industrial Division of the BBA Group, with no planned integration into any existing BBA Nonwovens company.