LB Group titanium dioxide acquisition reshapes Europe’s TiO₂ landscape

LB Group

The LB Group titanium dioxide acquisition signals a strategic push into Europe’s high-value TiO₂ market. Billions Europe, LB’s subsidiary, will buy Venator Material UK’s 150,000 t/yr Greatham titanium dioxide plant for $69.9mn, including assets, IP and inventory. As a result, LB secures a European production base at a time when trade barriers on Chinese TiO₂ are rising.

Chinese TiO₂ leader secures UK chloride capacity

The LB Group titanium dioxide acquisition strengthens the company’s portfolio with rare European chloride-route capacity. LB already holds 1.51mn t/yr of global TiO₂ capacity, split between sulphate and chloride processes. However, adding Greatham gives the world’s largest TiO₂ producer a local foothold in a mature, specification-critical market.

Meanwhile, Venator’s decision to sell its only chloride-route facility underlines the financial and structural pressure on Western TiO₂ producers. The UK asset moves from the world’s fifth-largest TiO₂ producer into the hands of the global leader. Therefore, LB can combine scale, process flexibility and proximity to European customers seeking secure, diversified supply.

Anti-dumping duties push LB closer to EU customers

The LB Group titanium dioxide acquisition also responds directly to EU trade defence measures. In July 2024, the European Commission imposed anti-dumping duties of nearly 39.7pc on LB’s TiO₂ imports from China. As a result, supplying Europe from Chinese plants became significantly more expensive and politically exposed.

By owning Greatham, LB can serve key European TiO₂ customers from within the region, partly insulating itself from border measures. The plant’s existing customer relationships and local logistics network will help preserve market share despite duties. However, integration, cost optimisation and environmental compliance upgrades will be critical to make the UK unit globally competitive.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The LB Group titanium dioxide acquisition shows how trade defence tools can accelerate realignment of industrial assets rather than simply protect incumbents. If LB successfully upgrades Greatham’s competitiveness, Europe may gain a more resilient on-shore TiO₂ base even as ownership shifts to a Chinese champion. For EU policymakers, the deal is a reminder that anti-dumping actions can redirect, not reverse, global supply chains.