B2B industrial giants join forces

NEWS Elemia, an e-marketplace serving the chemicals industry, and Quadrem, an e-marketplace for the mining and metals industry, are to connect their networks to boost revenue and customer figures. Elemia counts chemical giants BASF, Bayer, Ciba and DuPont among its members. Quadrem has 900 participants including BeBeers mines. The move was prompted by requests from an Elemia supplier Ciba and Quadrem member BHP, who trade with each other and wanted better connectivity without investing in their own network Quadrem estimates that mining companies spend up to $5bn per year on chemicals, used to clean raw materials. Both companies estimate that $70m will flow between the two hubs in the first year. The merger is due to be completed by May.