Celanese Corporation is selling a 19 percent stake in its Nutrinova food ingredients joint venture to Mitsui & Co. for roughly $152 million in cash, a move that fits into the company’s broader push to cut debt. Once the deal closes — expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 — Celanese will hold an 11 percent interest in Nutrinova, down from the 30 percent stake it currently owns. The 19 percent portion being sold brought in about $4 million in equity earnings for Celanese in 2025.

The sale is part of a plan to raise $1 billion through divestitures by the end of 2027, with proceeds going toward paying down debt and upcoming maturities.

A separate piece of the agreement covers a diketene production facility at Industriepark Höchst in Frankfurt, Germany. Celanese will run the facility temporarily before handing it over to Nutrinova; in the meantime, Nutrinova covers the purchase price and operating costs while Celanese supplies the staff.

“Transaction proceeds will immediately work to reduce our net debt as part of our deleveraging plan,” said Celanese CEO Scott Richardson, adding that the deal strengthens the company’s “long-term strategic partnership with Mitsui.”

Nutrinova is the original Western producer of Sunett, a zero-calorie acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) sweetener, and is also a major producer of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate preservatives.

Market Research Outlook: This $152M sale shows Celanese prioritizing debt reduction over full ownership of specialty food-ingredient assets, part of a $1B divestiture plan. Mitsui gains deeper exposure to Ace-K sweeteners and preservatives amid rising demand for sugar alternatives. Expect more chemical majors trimming non-core JV stakes to deleverage.