Polypore’s Separations Media business (Membrana) provides microporous membranes and modules for filtration in the life sciences, industrial and specialty segments. The business had trailing 12-month sales of US$210 million at 27 September 2014.
“Polypore’s Separations Media business is an outstanding business that will expand our opportunities in many large and attractive segments,” said Inge Thulin, 3M chairman, president and CEO. “The acquisition of this ultrafiltration membrane technology will enhance 3M’s core filtration platform and help generate new growth opportunities across the company.”
Separately, Japan’s Asahi Kasei Corp is buying Polypore International's Energy Storage business.
Filtration is a priority technology platform for 3M. Polypore’s Separations Media business will complement 3M’s existing filtration technologies in life sciences, industrial, water treatment, electronics and foodservice.
“The combination of 3M and Polypore’s Separations Media business will help us to meet customers’ emerging needs for high-value filtration solutions,” said Michael Roman, executive vice president, 3M Industrial Business Group. “Together, we will be able to offer a broader array of products to both Polypore’s and 3M’s customers, which will accelerate the global growth of our membrane business.”
