A wholly owned subsidiary of Osaka Gas Co. plans to acquire Swedish activated carbon manufacturer Jacobi Carbons AB in early January.

After the $392 million acquisition, Osaka Gas Chemical Co. and unit Japan EnviroChemicals Ltd. will jointly account for about 11 percent of the world's activated carbon market, forming the third-largest player in the market.

Osaka Gas President Hiroshi Ozaki said Tuesday that demand for activated carbon, used in air and water purification, "will increase significantly in the United States, Europe and developing countries, meaning we cannot grow through domestic-oriented sales alone."

Jacobi Carbons, with around 1,200 employees, produces activated carbon at 10 plants mainly in Asia for sale in 111 nations.