Ineos Enterprises, a UK-based sulphur chemical unit of INEOS AG, is getting closer to acquire U.S.-based peer Ashland Global Holdings in a $1.1 billion deal.

Ineos Enterprises said that the transaction will increase its headcount by 1,300 people, spread over manufacturing sites in Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East.

Subjected to regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to complete in the first half of 2019.

UK-based law firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has advised Ineos Enterprises on the transaction.