Heraeus to sell off dental division to Mitsui

Heraeus has agreed a deal with Japanese chemicals company Mitsui regarding the sale of its dental business unit, which is one of the top providers of dental solutions and materials in the world.

The sale of Heraeus Dental – which employs around 1,400 people globally – comes as Heraeus seeks to exit the dental market, in light of changing industry conditions that mean it is no longer an area of key strategic focus.

No new job cuts will come about as a result of this takeover, which will see Heraeus Dental's existing management structure remain intact, with its headquarters continuing to be based in Hanau, Germany.

Heraeus noted that its dental business remains profitable and well-positioned for future growth, offering a wide portfolio of precious metal alloys, materials and false teeth for full prosthetic treatments, as well as casting materials and compounds used for local anaesthesia.

Key brands include Gluma, Charisma, Ostim, Venus, Flexitime, Sopira and iBond.

Jan Rinnert of the Heraeus board of management said: "We see very good opportunities for long-term development for Heraeus Dental in this new constellation. This was a crucial factor for us in the decision to sell."