KPS Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Ketjen to Lead in Catalytic Solutions

KPS Capital Partners Acquires Majority Stake in Ketjen Corporation

KPS Capital Partners, LP has made headlines with a significant investment by acquiring a majority stake in Ketjen Corporation from Albemarle Corporation. This strategic move aims to enhance Ketjen's position as a leading provider of advanced catalytic solutions in the global market. The agreement was announced on October 27, 2025, through a newly formed affiliate company, marking a pivotal transition in leadership and operational control.

Investment Details

The finalized deal, projected for completion in the first quarter of 2026, will see KPS holding approximately 51% of Ketjen, while Albemarle retains 49%. KPS will control the majority of the board, enabling them to steer the company towards innovation and operational excellence. Notably, Albemarle will keep full ownership of Ketjen's Performance Catalyst Solutions (PCS) segment, ensuring a continued relationship amidst the restructure.

Ketjen Corporation Overview

Founded to lead in manufacturing advanced catalytic solutions, Ketjen plays a crucial role in transforming and processing crude oil alongside renewable resources into essential fuels and chemicals across various sectors. The corporation operates out of Houston, Texas, and employs about 840 staff members across its two manufacturing sites, two research facilities, and multiple joint ventures located in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Products designed by Ketjen significantly improve profitability for clients by enhancing the reliability and yield of refined products derived from diverse raw materials.

Statements on the Partnership

Raquel Vargas Palmer, Managing Partner at KPS, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, emphasizing Ketjen's critical role in supporting petroleum and petrochemical producers. "The solutions provided are essential for ensuring sustainability in production, while also prioritizing emission standards and quality," she noted. She foresees major growth opportunities that will transform Ketjen’s capabilities in meeting market demands.

Michael Simmons, President of Ketjen, also echoed strong sentiments about the partnership. He remarked on the exciting new chapter that Ketjen is embarking upon as an independent entity. Simmons expressed confidence in KPS’s impressive track record with industrial and specialty materials investments, asserting that their partnership would be instrumental in capitalizing on Ketjen's solid market position and further improving global client relations.

Kent Masters, CEO of Albemarle, acknowledged KPS's expertise in managing large-scale industrial companies, advocating for the growth potential of Ketjen under its new leadership.

Financial and Operational Support

To support the transaction, KPS has secured debt financing from major financial players such as Barclays, Jefferies, BNP Paribas, and Santander. The strategic partnership also involves expert consultative support from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP as legal counsel and Raymond James as the principal financial advisor.

About Ketjen and Albemarle

Ketjen specializes in catalytic solutions for the refining and petrochemical industries, aiming to maximize production performance while providing safe and reliable services to major producers. The company embraces a client-oriented approach, committed to delivering high-quality solutions. Albemarle Corporation, on the other hand, stands as a global leader in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health. The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation and resource sustainability.

Moving Forward

As Ketjen and KPS prepare for this transition, stakeholders anticipate an enriched focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustained growth within the catalytic solutions landscape. This acquisition not only represents a financial investment but a vision for the future of catalysis and the energy sector as a whole. For more information on this acquisition and Ketjen's offerings, visit Ketjen's website.