Honeywell announced it has agreed to acquire Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business segment for £1.8 billion in an all-cash transaction, representing approximately 11x estimated 2025 EBITDA, inclusive of tax benefits and run-rate cost synergies. The acquisition will combine Johnson Matthey's catalyst manufacturing capabilities with Honeywell's Energy and Sustainability Solutions (ESS) business segment to create new growth opportunities in the clean energy sector.
Strategic Expansion of Clean Energy Portfolio
The combination of Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business with Honeywell's existing UOP business will significantly expand the company's installed base across refining and petrochemical catalysts. For the first time, Honeywell will be able to offer customers comprehensive solutions for producing lower-emission, critical fuels including sustainable methanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), blue hydrogen, and blue ammonia.
"The acquisition of Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business broadens Honeywell's role as a world-class technology provider of critical energy needed to drive growth into the future – further strengthening our model of combining process technologies and process automation," said Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell. "As demand for diversified sources of energy continues accelerating, we will better enable Honeywell to offer the innovation our customers need."
Business Integration and Capabilities
Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business segment operates as a leading provider of catalyst manufacturing and process technology licensing, employing approximately 1,900 people. The business is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with operational sites in the United States, Europe, and India.
The resulting integrated offerings will provide licensed technology, engineering, services, and catalysts to convert hydrocarbon and renewable feedstocks into high-value end products. This expanded portfolio will enhance energy security while reducing emissions across multiple industrial applications.
Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell's ESS segment, emphasized the strategic value: "As we continue to expand and evolve our ESS portfolio, acquiring Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business will provide our customers a comprehensive and cost-effective approach to transition their businesses to high-value products with lower emissions. Together, we will be able to create an integrated solution while also diversifying our UOP projects and service offerings."
Financial Impact and Strategic Context
The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first year and will add attractive high growth vectors to Honeywell's ESS business. The transaction follows Honeywell's broader strategic restructuring, including planned spin-offs of its Aerospace Technologies and Advanced Materials businesses, which will result in three publicly listed industry leaders with distinct strategies and growth drivers.
Since December 2023, Honeywell has announced approximately $11 billion of accretive acquisitions recently closed or announced, including the Access Solutions business from Carrier Global, Civitanavi Systems, CAES Systems, the LNG business from Air Products, and Sundyne. The company remains on pace to exceed its commitment to deploy at least $25 billion toward high-return capital expenditures, dividends, opportunistic share purchases, and accretive acquisitions through 2025.
Transaction Timeline
Honeywell's acquisition of Johnson Matthey's Catalyst Technologies business segment is expected to close by the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The integration is anticipated to drive significant additional benefits through cost synergies while expanding Honeywell's capabilities in the growing clean energy transition market.
