United States: Houghton International Inc., global manufacturer and supplier of industrial fluids and chemical management services, has signed an agreement to acquire the Shell Metalworking and Metal Rolling Oils business. The transaction, anticipated to close in early 2011, is subject to regulatory approval.

Houghton and Shell Metal Working and Metal Rolling Oils are prominent specialty fluid manufacturers in the global metal working and metal rolling fluids marketplace.

“This acquisition will bring together two complementary organizations that will benefit from combining two talented teams and the integration of best practices,” said Paul DeVivo, CEO of Houghton International Inc. “The transaction will better enable Houghton to provide its global technology and application capabilities to a broader customer base.”