Ciba may sell textile effects business.(Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding Inc.)(Brief Article)

Ciba Specialty Chemicals says it is examining ways to cut costs at its textile effects business, and that it may decide to sell the operation. Ciba cites a "shift of the textile market and customers to Asia" that is expected to continue. "We are well-advanced with the evaluation of strategic options to reposition the textile effects business," says Ciba CEO Armin Meyer. "These range from internal solutions to a divestment." The textile effects business posted a 45% fall in first-half operating profits excluding restructuring charges, to SF25 million ($20 million), on sales down 7%, to SF646 million. Second-quarter figures were not disclosed. Ciba may have held talks earlier …