A strategic assessment of the competitive environment is widely recognized as one of the highest priority management responsibilities, the task crucial to business survival, growth and profitability. Timely and factual competitive intelligence is vital to the success of all business functions, especially Planning, Marketing, R&D and Manufacturing.

The following companies have been selected as theTop 10 suppliers with the highest worldwide sales of specialty chemicals:

• Akzo
• BASF
• Ciba
• Clariant
• Degussa
• ICI
• Monsato
• Rhodia
• Rohm and Haas
• Sherwin-Williams

In a highly dynamic and fragmented chemical market, besieged by intense competition, the ability to anticipate new product introductions and marketing strategies is particularly important...and spells the difference between success and failure.

This unique multi-client study was prepared by Venture Planning Group in order to provide the industry executives with strategically significant competitor information, analysis and insight, critical to the development and implementation of effective marketing and R&D programs. T

he study’s major objectives include:

• To establish comprehensive, factual and cost-effective information base on performance, capabilities, goals and strategies of the world’s leading chemical companies.
• To help current suppliers realistically assess their technological and marketing capabilities vis-a-vis leading competitors.
• To assist potential market entrants in evaluating prospective acquisitions and joint venture candidates.
• To complement organizations’ internal competitor information gathering efforts with strategic analysis, data interpretation and insight.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• A 3-5 page synopsis of key sections.

SECTION II: BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
• History of the company’s specialty chemicals business evolution
important to the understanding of its corporate culture, management mentality and strategies.
• Most recent M&A activity and significant organizational changes.
• Current organizational structure.

SECTION III: SENIOR MANAGEMENT
• Names, titles and background of key executives.
SECTION VI: FACILITIES AND EMPLOYEES
• Location and size of major administrative, manufacturing and R&D
facilities in the U.S. and abroad.
• Manufacturing practices.
• New plants under construction.
• U.S. and international work force size and distribution.

SECTION V:TECHNOLOGICAL KNOW-HOW
• Internally developed and acquired technologies, and other related
capabilities.
• Proprietary processes and patent litigations.

SECTION VI: PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
• Extensive review of major product lines.
• Advantages and weaknesses of leading products.

SECTION VII: MARKETING TACTICS
• Major promotional tactics, e.g., pricing, discounts, advertising,
product literature, newsletters, etc.
• Distribution approaches.
• Product service and support.
• Customer relations

SECTION IX: R&D EXPENDITURES AND MAJOR PROGRAMS
• R&D budget.
• Research facilities and staff.
• New technologies and products in development.

SECTION X: COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
• Major joint ventures, distribution, O.E.M. and licensing partners, both industrial and academic.
• Terms of collaborative agreements and specific products involved.

SECTION XI: STRATEGIC DIRECTION
• Major strengths and weaknesses, e.g., managerial, organizational, marketing and product development.
• Specific business, new product development and marketing strategies.
• Anticipated acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures.