We will be in the top 15 worldwide chemical producers. We will expand from 31 countries to 50. We expect to realize substantial synergies in growing our top line, reducing costs, and reducing the combined capital invested. Being a larger player will allow us to better leverage our position both with suppliers and customers. And we'll apply best practices regardless of the origin.
Chemicals remains a central part of our corporate strategy.
The heart and soul of our company's strength is the breadth and depth of our process technology. The suggestion of selling the Chemicals Group to pay for this deal would significantly reduce this precious resource which supports all of our businesses. For example, we announced last week that we have retained Goldman Sachs to explore strategic alternatives for our polyvinyl alcohol business. Our chemicals group has many high-performing businesses that have excellent growth and profits, generate free cash flow, and have significant synergies with the Gases Group. We believe chemicals is an excellent companion business with gases.