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Chemicals
The chemicals sector faces critical strategic choices: pure vs multi-play, commodities vs specialties. In a landscape of energy volatility, regulatory pressure, sustainability demands and tech breakthroughs, our cross-practice expertise helps you act decisively.
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Connected counsel, global reach – we keep chemical businesses ahead of change

The chemicals sector never stands still.  Tougher regulations, trade restrictions and technological advances increase legal risk, while volatile energy and commodities markets create cost and procurement challenges.  

Chemicals businesses are responding strategically. Those with a pure-play or specialty focus drive efficiency and reduce risk through spin-offs, while others seek strength through industry consolidation. Joint ventures offer an effective way to share energy procurement costs.

Freshfields is honored to work with many of the world’s top 100 chemicals companies, helping them adapt and thrive in a fast-changing sector. We’re one of a very small number of firms able to offer clients a dedicated worldwide multidisciplinary chemical group and operate in every major financial center. 

Our global network of lawyers combines an international perspective with in-depth sector level understanding. We have proven experience in guiding chemicals businesses through complex public and private M&A transactions, and helping them execute successful carve outs, spinoffs and divestitures. We create watertight joint venture agreements. 

Our timely and expert advice guides companies through trade and geopolitical realities, regulatory and compliance investigations, high-stakes litigation and cybersecurity incidents. We track and analyze the latest regulatory positions on everything from PFAS over REACH to microplastics, so you always have the most complete and up-to-date picture. 

Our work covers the spectrum of legal challenges that cross-border chemicals companies might face. We advise on project financing, sustainability, trade and regulatory compliance, site-sharing transactions, antitrust and sanctions, and litigation and arbitration. Our sector-specific expertise extends to critical feedstock arrangements, power purchase agreements, and other complex matters.

Highlight experience
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Saint-GobainAdvising Saint-Gobain on the landmark acquisition of Fosroc for $1,025 m

This acquisition of Forsoc, a leading global construction chemicals player, is a new strategic step in establishing Saint-Gobain’s worldwide presence in construction chemicals, which will have combined sales of €6.2 billion across 73 countries following the acquisition. 

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SolvayAdvising Solvay on JV with Orbia Group for the production of largest capacity suspension-grade polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), in North America
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ContactsMeet the team
New York
Paul HumphreysOffice Managing Partner, New York
Munich
Barbara KeilPartner
Washington, DC, Brussels
Jenn MellottOffice Managing Partner, Washington, DC
Brussels
Deborah JanssensPartner, Global Co-Head of Industrials
Meet the team
Our thinking

Our thinking

Blog
Nov 5 2024
PFAS ban – will the universal restriction see the light of day?
The EU’s proposed PFAS ban Since five EU Member States submitted a proposal to restrict the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances...
Blog
Jun 28 2024
Top 10 sustainability topics for business in the UK election manifestos: Change or status quo?
Introduction Government policy on sustainability and decarbonisation will increasingly affect all UK businesses over the next five-year...
Blog
May 29 2024
Long-awaited announcement on reforms to the UK chemical regulations landscape
The Government has recently published a long-awaited consultation on reforms to several aspects of the UK Registration, Evaluation,...
Blog
May 22 2024
The EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability – The story so far
The EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability  Almost four years have passed since the European Commission published its Chemicals...
Blog
May 2 2023
Microplastics: the EU’s macro step to halt micro particles
Last week Member State representatives in the European Commission’s REACH Committee voted to adopt a proposal to ban intentionally added...
Blog
Mar 29 2023
Banning PFAS chemicals in the EU – Consultation launched
The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on a proposal to ban PFAS, marking the next step in what is...
Blog
Mar 2 2023
COP15 – how does the new global biodiversity framework impact businesses?
COP15, the UN Biodiversity Conference, was held between 7 and 19 December 2022 in Montreal, Canada and, after lengthy debate and...
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