Oct 27 (Reuters) - Albemarle said on Monday it

will sell a 51% stake in its refining catalyst solutions

business, Ketjen, to private equity firm KPS Capital Partners,

and divest its 50% interest in the Eurecat joint venture to

France's Axens SA, in deals worth about $660 million.

Albemarle, one of the world's largest lithium producers,

said it would use the proceeds for debt reduction and general

corporate purposes as part of its efforts to boost financial

flexibility and refocus on its core lithium and bromine units.

The sale marks Albemarle's latest move to streamline its

portfolio amid a downturn in lithium prices that has pressured

earnings and cash flow this year.

Once the transactions are closed, expected to be in the

first half of 2026, Albemarle said it would retain a 49%

minority stake in Ketjen and full ownership of its Performance

Catalyst Solutions business, including the PCS plant in

Pasadena, Texas.

KPS, which manages more than $19 billion in assets, said it

will leverage its manufacturing experience to grow Ketjen's

global refining catalyst operations and drive profitability.