DuPont To Spin Off Performance Chemicals Unit

Wilmington, DE, Oct. 31, 2013 -- The DuPont Co. plans to spin off its performance chemicals business into a separate public company.

The unit, which includes its PET and polyamide products, among many others, is subject to volatile markets.

The move will allow the company to focus more attention on its agriculture and nutrition, industrial biosciences and advanced materials businesses.

This decision will not affect Sorona or any of the products sold through DuPont's industrial bioscience's business.

The unit generated revenues of about $7 billion and operating earnings of $1.8 billion last year.