Rentech explores potential merger: Correction

: Fertilizers
15/02/17

Pasadena plant is not the only synthetic ammonium sulfate facility in US.

US nitrogen producer Rentech Nitrogen is exploring the possibility of merging with another company, selling some or all of its assets, and other strategic transactions.

Rentech set no timetable for a potential transaction. The company operates two nitrogen plants in the US: one in East Dubuque, Illinois, that produces about 372,300 st/yr gross ammonia, 275,000 st/yr UAN and 20,000 st/yr urea; and the other in Pasadena, Texas, which can produce about 640,000 st/yr ammonium sulfate. The Pasadena plant is the largest synthetic granulated ammonium sulfate facility in the US.

Rentech has endured a stretch of issues over the past year, particularly low profits and squeezed margins at its Pasadena plant. The company reduced its Pasadena workforce by 20pc and cut operating rates by 25pc in October 2014 as part of a restructuring plan, citing unfavorable market conditions.

In December, chief executive D. Hunt Ramsbottom resigned after nine years heading the company.

Rentech most recently posted a $3.1mn loss in the third quarter of 2014. The company's fourth quarter results, expected on 17 March, are likely to have been negatively impacted by challenging ammonium sulfate market conditions, unplanned downtime at East Dubuque and a shortened fall application season delaying ammonia demand.

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25/12/18

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CBAM documents outline preliminary ammonia values

25/12/17

CBAM documents outline preliminary ammonia values

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Mosaic halts SSP production in Brazil

25/12/16

Mosaic halts SSP production in Brazil

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Mosaic pauses Esterhazy potash mining after fatality

25/12/15

Mosaic pauses Esterhazy potash mining after fatality

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US-Belarus potash trade may soften MOP pricing outlook

25/12/15

US-Belarus potash trade may soften MOP pricing outlook

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