Oxea is one of the world's leading manufacturers of Oxo chemicals, ranking amongst the industry's foremost market players.

Created by combining the oxo chemicals and derivatives activities of US chemical producer Celanese (NYSE: CE) and the oxo joint venture between Celanese and Degussa, the new business represents a formidable force in the industry. Generating revenues of over €1 billion, the rebranded Oxea immediately assumes a position as the leading global oxo producer.

Oxea’s competitive advantage lies in its excellence across all areas of the value chain, including superior proprietary technology in commodities and specialities (Oxo was the inventor of the oxo production process – now a generic industry term – used in the manufacture of oxo chemicals); a fully-integrated production model; and a well-balanced product portfolio serving a diverse range of end market applications including coatings, inks, lubricants and plasticisers.

The competitive environment for the business is highly favourable, with a significant phase of industry restructuring and consolidation giving rise to an improved supply/demand balance and a consequential lift in profit margins. The inherently regional characteristics of the oxo market also present strong barriers to entry, insulating the business from Asian competition.

The key to maximising Oxea’s competitive advantage lies in the successful integration of the two businesses, realising both production synergies and significant operating efficiencies. The strategy is to expand the company’s product portfolio, consolidating its leadership in commodities while improving its specialities position by increasing its number of value-add downstream derivatives.