Shell UK will expand its work in the metalworking sector with the acquisition of Croda Chemicals International’s rolling fluid and production engineering business.

Contracts were exchanged today in a deal that will see Shell take ownership of Croda's rolling fluid and production engineering lubricant formulations. Croda's technical, sales and customer service staff from the rolling fluid and production engineering businesses will also transfer to Shell. Completion on the transaction is expected during the first quarter of this year.

David Pirret, executive vice president Shell Lubricants, said: "The transfer of the company's intellectual property to Shell will enable us to offer customers continuity of supply and sales support with all the added advantages of Shell's global reach and ability to invest in research and development.”