Company to Acquire Eastman Kodak Unit

Rohm and Haas Co. of Philadelphia has agreed to acquire Eastman Kodak Co.’s Light Management Film business, which produces advanced films that improve the brightness and efficiency of LCDs. As part of the agreement, the company will purchase the intellectual property (IP) associated with the films, including patents, trademarks, expertise, trade secrets, a product portfolio and a license to additional IP. The addition of the films will complement its increasing number of flat panel materials. The film technology meets emerging display requirements, particularly in the LCD television market. The acquisition includes the supply of key raw materials and a semiworks facility in Rochester, N.Y., where Kodak is based. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Following the close of the transaction, which is expected in the first half of the year, Rohm and Haas plans to build a volume manufacturing plant in Asia.