Mitsui Chemicals announced June 12 its intention to acquire Ultradent Products Inc., a dental materials, devices and instruments manufacturer. According to the company, the proposed transaction would bring together Mitsui Chemicals, Ultradent, and Kulzer as part of a broader oral care platform focused on innovation, clinical solutions and global operations.
The companies said the combination would unite Mitsui Chemicals’ research and materials science capabilities with Ultradent’s clinical expertise and Kulzer’s experience in restorative workflows. According to the announcement, the organizations intend to create a platform that supports integrated clinical solutions, advanced workflows and dental professionals worldwide.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ultradent to the Mitsui Chemicals Group. This transaction represents an important step in advancing Mitsui Chemicals’ strategy,” said Hiromi Hayashida, business sector president, life & healthcare solutions at Mitsui Chemicals.
“While the United States plays a key role as the world’s largest healthcare market, this partnership also builds on strong global foundations, including Europe. Together with Ultradent and Kulzer, we are creating a more integrated platform to better serve dental professionals and patients worldwide,” Hayashida said.
Hayashida continued: “At Mitsui Chemicals, we are committed not only to growth, but to sustainable and patient-centered innovation. We look forward to building a successful future together, fostering long-term value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders while contributing to the advancement of oral care worldwide.”
Chris Holden, CEO at Kulzer, said the proposed acquisition would combine complementary capabilities across the three organizations. “This acquisition is meaningful for all parties because it brings together highly complementary strengths with a shared commitment to advancing dentistry,” he said.
“For Mitsui Chemicals, it represents an important step in building a stronger global healthcare platform,” Holden said. “For Ultradent, it creates new opportunities to further expand its reach and innovation potential. For Kulzer, it strengthens our collective ability to deliver more comprehensive solutions and create greater value for dental professionals worldwide.”
Holden continued: “Most importantly, for customers, partners, and employees, it signals continuity, long-term commitment, and the opportunity to shape the future of oral care together.”
Dirk Jeffs, president and CEO of Ultradent, said the companies share a focus on innovation and product development. “Mitsui Chemicals brings deep scientific expertise and our shared commitment to innovation aligns with Ultradent’s values and vision,” Jeffs said. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to accelerate product development, expand our global reach, and continue delivering exceptional solutions to dental professionals and patients around the world.”
According to the announcement, the companies expect the proposed combination to support development of solutions that connect products, procedures, digital workflows and clinical workflows. The companies also said the transaction is intended to strengthen support for dental professionals through education, innovation and broader solution offerings.
Mitsui Chemicals stated that it intends to preserve Ultradent’s existing culture, leadership team and organizational structure, emphasizing continuity for employees and customers.
Further details about the proposed transaction are expected in the coming months, the announcement said.
As part of the transaction process, Mitsui Chemicals is being advised by KPMG LLP (U.S.), supported by KPMG member firms in Japan, as exclusive financial advisor, and by Baker McKenzie LLP as legal advisor. Ultradent is being advised by Jefferies LLC as exclusive financial advisor and Foley & Lardner LLP as legal advisor.
Ultradent manufactures dental materials, devices and instruments and states that its vision is to improve oral health globally. Kulzer, which is part of the Mitsui Chemicals Group, has operations in research, production, sales and marketing across 24 locations worldwide and employs more than 1,200 people. Mitsui Chemicals Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, employs more than 17,000 people globally and produces materials used in industries including healthcare, automotive, electronics, packaging and environmental technologies.
