Former Clariant Executive Chairman and CEO Hariolf Kottmann joins Advent International’s Operating Partner Program

  • Mr Kottmann will help Advent to further strengthen its footprint in the chemicals and materials industry
  • Advent has completed over 30 investments in the sector globally

Frankfurt, April 7, 2021 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, today announced the appointment of Hariolf Kottmann as an Operating Partner.

Mr Kottmann brings a unique wealth of management and industry expertise to his new role and will be a key advisor in helping Advent source, enhance and further successfully grow its investments in the global chemicals and materials sector. Most recently, he was Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Clariant AG, a leading Swiss specialty chemical company. He resumed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsibilities in July 2019 on an ad interim basis, having served as CEO from 2008 to 2018. Mr Kottmann initially became CEO at the beginning of the financial crisis and reshaped the business operations and organizational structure, turning Clariant into a reliant and successful industry player.

In addition to working closely with Advent’s Chemicals and Materials team to identify and evaluate new investment opportunities, Mr Kottmann is also serving on Röhm’s board of directors.

“Hariolf Kottmann is a proven leader in the chemicals industry. We are delighted to welcome Hariolf to our Operating Partner Program and count on his extensive chemicals experience after 35 years in this industry. He will help us pursue new investment opportunities and will provide support to current and future portfolio companies”, said Ronald Ayles, Managing Partner and Global Head of Chemicals & Materials at Advent International.

Hariolf Kottmann commented: “Advent International is one of the leading global chemical investors in the private equity sector. It employs a long-established strategy of operationally intensive, sector-focused investing to create sustainable value through revenue and earnings growth. I’m looking forward to working with the team to help Advent further grow its footprint in the industry I have been serving for many decades.”

Mr Kottmann obtained a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Stuttgart, beginning his career in 1985 at the former Hoechst AG. He held various executive positions during his tenure at the company, most notably as Head of Inorganic Chemicals. In 1998, he became a member of the Executive Committee of Celanese Corp., where he lead the Organic Chemicals Business Unit. From 2001 to 2008, Mr Kottmann sat on the Board of directors at SGL Carbon AG and was responsible for Graphite Specialties, Advanced Materials and Corrosion Protection. In addition, he oversaw the Eastern Europe and Asia regions and also led corporate functions such as SGL Technology and Innovation.

About Advent International

Founded in 1984, Advent International, L.P. is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 370 private equity transactions in 41 countries, and as of December 31, 2020, the firm had $76 billion (€62 billion) in assets under management.

Advent International GmbH was established in Germany in 1991 and provides investment advice to Advent International, L.P. through its Frankfurt-based advisory team. The team has advised on investments of about €5.2 billion in more than 30 companies across a variety of sectors and markets including Germany, Austria, Switzerland as well as Central and Eastern Europe. The Frankfurt team advises on buy-outs and growth equity investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial and chemicals; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology.

Advent has invested in over 30 companies in the chemicals industry over recent years. Examples in Germany include, Röhm, one of the global market leaders in methacrylate chemicals allnex, a global leader in resins for the paints and coatings industry, and Oxea, a leading supplier of oxo alcohols and oxo derivatives. In addition, Advent has invested in companies including VIAKEM, a leading manufacturer of fine chemicals and GTM, a transnational distributor of chemical raw materials in Latin America.

After 35 years dedicated to international investing, Advent International, L.P. remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. In close cooperation with management teams, investment advisors, operating partners and other stakeholders, Advent International, L.P. creates a shared vision for the future of its portfolio companies and trustfully works together to realize the potential it sees.

For more information, visit: www.adventinternational.com or www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international.

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