General Motors has now begun publishing a list of approved suppliers and fluids, including respective license numbers on its Web site for its DEXRONŽ-VI automatic transmission fluid, in an effort to make it easier for prospective customers to know which companies have official licenses.

May 3, 2007, According to an article by Reuters' Michael Flaherty the Blackstone Group, Centerbridge Capital Partners and Carlyle Group are all considering the purchase of GM subsidiary Allison Transmissions. It is estimated that its price tag could be about $3 billion. GM said in January it was looking at strategic options for the Indianapolis-based division.

Chevron's Lubricants University has introduced a free course "API CJ-4 Lubricants for 2007 Low Emission Diesel Engines". This new course discusses the 2007 emission restrictions for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate, and how after treatment emission control systems are designed to meet or exceed the federally mandated restrictions. This course also examines the CJ- 4 category testing and the benefits over CI-4 PLUS oils.

Chevron has announced the introduction of a new electronic newsletter, Heavy Iron, that will target construction equipment maintenance managers and others interested in increasing the productivity and reliability of their off-highway fleets. This newsletter began May 1 and will be deployed bimonthly.

IPSCO Inc. and SSAB Svenskt Stal AB have announced that they have entered into an agreement providing for IPSCO to be acquired by SSAB for a total equity value of U.S. $7.7 billion in cash. The transaction has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies.

Alcoa Inc. has announced that it will be making an offer to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Alcan Inc. for US$58.60 in cash and 0.4108 of a share of Alcoa common stock for each outstanding common share of Alcan. The transaction will create a premier diversified global aluminum company.

Ahold has announced that it has reached a definitive agreement on the sale of U.S. Foodservice to a consortium of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Fund VII, L.P. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co L.P. for a purchase price of USD 7.1 billion.

The Synthetic Industrial Chain LubricantsChart is the fourteenth of an eighteen chart set of the Second Edition of our Synthetic Lubricant Cross Reference Chart Series. The complete series consists of over 6,500 (fully) synthetic lubricants marketed by over 425 worldwide lube manufacturing & marketing companies and OEMs.