ADM to snap up National Starch?

In January Akzo Nobel NV became the new owner of National Starch and Chemical Company as part of its acquisition of ICI. Akzo made clear its intention to seek a new owner for the specialty starches business, which boasted half year revenues of about $619m in 2007.

Speculation is growing about potential buyers for National Starch Food Innovation with ADM emerging as a likely contender, according to one industry analyst from Frost &Sullivan.

A sale is expected before the end of the year and National Starch is likely to be snapped up by a market leader, said Chandrasekhar Shankaar, research analyst, foods and beverage ingredients practice at Frost &Sullivan.

Such a move could then increase the bargaining power of starch manufacturers struggling with increasing raw material costs, he added.