On January 8, 2026, Laumann (Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Mutares SE & Co. KGaA) orchestrated and signed the landmark agreement to acquire the Engineering Thermoplastics (ETP) business from the global petrochemical giant SABIC for $450 million.
This achievement is exceptional for three reasons:
Strategic Scale: This is the largest transaction in the history of Mutares. By securing this deal, Laumann didn't just buy a company; he effectively created a brand new "Chemicals & Materials" segment for his firm overnight, adding approximately $2.5 billion in revenue to their portfolio.
Complex Carve-Out: Acquiring a division from a massive state-affiliated entity like SABIC is notoriously difficult due to the entanglement of assets. Laumann’s team successfully negotiated the transfer of production sites across the Americas and Europe, proving an exceptional level of M&A technical expertise.
Counter-Cyclical Bet: While many industrial investors were retreating due to volatile energy prices in early 2026, Laumann doubled down. By acquiring these assets (which produce essential resins like Polycarbonate and ABS) at a valuation of $450m, he secured a "buy low" entry point for critical materials used in everything from EV chargers to consumer electronics.
