Historic Chemicals Downturn Upends a PE Firm’s Big Bet on Sector

MarketsHistoric Chemicals Downturn Upends a PE Firm’s Big Bet on SectorFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftGift this articleContact us:Provide news feedback or report an errorConfidential tip?Send a tip to our reportersSite feedback:Take our SurveyNew WindowFacebookXLinkedInEmailLinkGiftBy Giulia MorpurgoMay 14, 2026 at 7:16 AM UTCBookmarkSaveA $10 billion private equity firm that made its name as a chemicals specialist has seen a wave of its holdings fall into distress amid a severe industry downturn, pushing the investor to adapt its strategy. SK Capital Partners-backed Archroma just managed to pull off a tricky debt extension for around $1 billion of junk loans. The transaction came down to the wireBloomberg Terminal, with creditors of the Swiss company only agreeing after multiple delays and sweetened terms.