Total Lubrifiants, a leading player in the global lubricants market, has acquired Houghton International’s aluminium hot-rolling oil, steel cold-rolling oil and tinplate-rolling oil activities in the North American and European Economic Area markets.

The transaction includes the associated technical support services in both regions.

Philippe Charleux, vice-president (lubricants and specialties) in Total’s marketing and services division (www.total.com), said: “We believe that this acquisition will create value both for Total and our customers in these industries.

“It will strengthen our position in the industrial lubricants market, which is an important part of our strategic vision for the future.

“Geographically, we are strengthening our significant presence in Europe and expanding our activities and market penetration in North America — especially the USA.

“With a specially formulated range of hot- and cold-rolling oils, cleaners and accompanying fluid management services, Total is broadening its product portfolio to offer customers a fully integrated solution.”

Total Lubrifiants is a leading global manufacturer of engine oils and lubricants.

It has 41 production plants world-wide and more than 5,800 employees in 150 countries.