8^th EBDQUIM in Brazil features International Speakers and Panelists

The 8^th EBDQUIM – Brazilian Congress of Chemicals and Petrochemicals Distributors will take place six week from now on 09. to 11. March 2016 in Porto Seguro, Bahia – Brazil. This Latin-American forum, which brings together the major national and international companies along the entire chemicals value chain, producers, distributors, transport & logistics providers and industrial & commercial users, is organised on a bi-annual basis by Associquim / Sincoquim (Sao Paulo, SP – Brazil).

Keynote speaker this year will be Steve Holland, CEO of Brenntag AG. There will also be two panel discussions with international participants.

“Distribution Chemicals globally – perspectives”

• Günther Eberhard, DistriConsult
• Paul Henderson, Univar
• Edgar E. Nordmann, Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH
• Frank Schneider, IMCD Group

“Governance and Regulatory Compliance”

• Peter Newport, Chemical Business Association (CBA)
• Aurélio Nogueira do Amaral, Ag. Nac. do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP)
• Márcio Nunes, Departamento de Polícia Federal (DPF)
• Neville Prior, Fédération Européenne du Commerce Chimique (Fecc)

Further program details can be found on https://www.associquim.org.br/ebdquim2016/?lang=en and an online registration can be made via the link https://www.associquim.org.br/ebdquim2016/inscricao_congressoi.asp

Source: Associquim / Sincoquim

HGE – DCG / 27.01.2016

Bodo Möller Chemie expands to North Africa and the Middle East and enters into Formulation Operations

Privately owned specialty chemicals and formulated products distributor Bodo Möller Chemie Group [“Bodo Möller Chemie” or “BMC”] (Offenbach am Main, Germany) has recently announced the expansion into North Africa as a geographic region and into the formulation of polymer materials as a business activity.
The Company  has taken over business activities from Huntsman Advanced Materials (Basel, Switzerland) in Egypt, including a modern production plant in Sadat City, and two sales offices with laboratories in Cairo and Alexandria, giving the company direct access to a complete sales structure and to customer services.

The plant has a surface area of 4’200 m² and an annual production capacity of 4’500 MTPA of polymer materials, mostly for floorings. The manufacturing site has a staff of 32 employees in the production process, which complies with European and German standards (ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001), BMC said in a statement

As part of the takeover, Bodo Möller Chemie also obtained distribution rights for products from the Huntsman Advanced Materials portfolio for Middle Eastern and North African markets.
In December, BMC had announced that the group has opened a subsidiary in Shanghai to serve the Chinese market. The new office will be focusing on products from Huntsman Advanced Materials’ portfolio, mostly Adhesives and a number of systems solutions for the Composite and Electronic industry segments. In addition, Adhesives and Sealants from Dow Automotive’s range of systems for use in the Transportation Manufacturing indus-try will be marketed through this office, BMC said at the time.

Source: Bodo Möller Chemie press release

HGE – DCG / 27.01.2016

Finnish Distributor Algol Chemicals expands into India with Acquisition of Dynamic Orbits Advisory Pvt. Ltd.

Privately owned distributor Algol Chemicals Oy (Espoo, Finland) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Indian specialty chemicals distributor Dynamic Orbits Advisory Private Limited [Dynamic Orbits] (New Delhi, India).

The acquired company has offices and warehouse in Delhi and Mumbai from which it serves customers in the Polymers, Coatings and Life Sciences segments. It also offers sourcing and regulatory services for REACH compliance.

Dynamic Orbits is going to be managed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Algol Chemicals, the statement said. Relations with customers and suppliers are expected to continue as before. No personnel changes are planned as a result of the transaction.
Algol did not disclose financial details on the transaction.

Source: Algol press release

HGE – DCG / 25.01.2016

Swiss Alantana Group has announced the Acquisition of German Distributor neochem GmbH

Private Swiss holding Alantana AG (Olten, Switzerland) has recently announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares of specialty chemicals distributor neochem GmbH (Menden, Germany) from previous Managing Partner Marcus Mausberg.
Founded in 2007, neochem is mainly active in Personal Care / Cosmetics and Household Cleaners, where the company markets additives such as Emollients, Emulsifiers, Thickeners and UV-Filters. The team of neochem will continue in its current set-up, led by Marcus Mausberg as Managing Director, the statement said.

No financial details on the transaction were disclosed.

Source: Neochem website

HGE – DCG / 25.01.2016

Maroon Group acquires CNX Distribution to expand into the Southwest U.S.

North American specialty chemicals distributor Maroon Group LLC (Avon, OH – United States) announced on Monday  that it has acquired CNX Distribution (Hurst, TX – United States), a Southwest U.S. distributor of specialty chemicals.
Founded in 2006, CNX Distribution supplies raw materials for the CASE, Plastics, Oil & Gas, and Chemical Processing industries. The current management team will remain in place and continue to actively manage the business, Maroon Group said.

Neither financial details nor terms of the transaction, which was the third for Maroon Group in 15 months, were disclosed.

Source: Maroon Group press release

HGE – DCG / 19.01.2016

TER Plastics IBERICA acquires the Plastic Division of Proquibasa

Polymers distributor TER Plastics POLYMER GROUP (Herne, Germany) has acquired the plastic division of Proquibasa – Productos Químicos Barcelona S.A. (Barcelona, Spain) as part of its initiative to develop an enhanced pan-European market presence. The transaction, which was done through the subsidiary TER Plastics IBERICA (Barcelona,,Spain), is effective 01. January 2016.

TER Plastics IBERICA, headed by the General Manager José Garciá, offers engineering plastics and commodity plastics from leading international plastic producers, as well as its own range of TEREZ compounding specialties. The former plastics portfolio of Proquibasa continues to be available almost unchanged, according to the statement.

Source: TER Plastics POLMER GROUP website

HGE – DCG / 06.01.2016

Hawkins, Inc. has completed the Acquisition of Stauber Performance Ingredients

North American chemical distributor Hawkins, Inc. (Roseville, MN – United States) has completed its acquisition of Stauber Performance Ingredients (Fullerton, CA – United Staes) from ICV Partners II, L.P. and its other shareholders in a cash for stock transaction on 23. December 2015.
Founded in 1969, Stauber offers specialty products and ingredients to the Nutrition, Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Pet Care industries. The company has approx. 160 employees, and operates facilities in California and New York. Revenues were ca.  USD 117 mn for the twelve months ended 30. September 2015.

Hawkins said the Stauber business will be reported as a third business segment, to be called Specialty Ingredients. According to the statement, the combined companies will have approx. 630 employees and revenues of nearly USD 500 mn (for the twelve months ended 30. September 2015).

The consideration paid to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of Stauber on a cash-free, debt-free basis was USD 157 mn, subject to customary post-closing purchase price adjustments.

To fund the acquisition, Hawkins has entered into a financing facility with U.S. Bank National Association and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Source: Hawkins website

HGE – DCG / 05.01.2016

Univar has acquired Weavertown Environmental Group (WEG) in the US

Last month, US-based chemical distributor Univar Inc. (Downers Grove, IL – United States) has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Weaver Town Oil Services, Inc., and Weavertown Transport Leasing, Inc. (Carnegie, PA – United States), operating as the Weavertown Environmental Group (“WEG”). The acquisition was made through Univar’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Univar USA Inc.

Originally founded in 1981, WEG provides a range of environmental and consulting services, including industrial cleaning, waste management and transportation, site remediation, and 24/7 around the year emergency response services. Operating from eight locations, the company employs more than 210 professionals and specialists, Univar said in a statement.

No financial details were disclosed on this transaction.

Source: Univar press release and website

HGE – DCG / 03.01.2016

Univar acquires UK-based Polymer Technologies Ltd.

US-based chemical distributor Univar Inc. (Downers Grove, IL – United States) has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Polymer Technologies Ltd. (Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom), through its wholly-owned subsidiary in the UK, Univar Ltd.
The company is a developer and distributor of UV/EB curable chemical compounds, which are used to formulate environmentally friendly products in the Paints, Inks and Adhesive industry.
Polymer Technologies was founded in 2001 and offers “unique UV/EB-curable oligomers and monomers that deliver specific performance benefits in a diverse range of applications including Printing Inks, Wood Coatings, Plastic Finishes, Laminates, Overprint Varnishes, and Adhesives”, Univar said in a statement. The company also serves as the sole UK distributor for Asia’s largest manufacturer of UV/EB curable products.
No financial details were disclosed on this transaction

Source: Univar press release and website

HGE – DCG / 31.12.2015

TER GROUP establishes specialised Subsidiary TER Ingredients to service the Food & Feed Industry

Privately owned distributor TER GROUP (Hamburg, Germany) will spin off its business with ingredients for the Food and the Feed industry into a separate subsidiary, the company announced earlier this month.
As of 01 January 2016, the newly founded TER Ingredients GmbH & Co. KG will take over the existing Food & Feed business from TER HELL & Co. GmbH, the group’s trading company. With this reorganization, the TER GROUP is responding to the above-average growth in the Food & Feed business unit, the statement said. In 2014 the turnover of the unit amounted to EUR 65 mn.

Source: TER GROUP website

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

Biesterfeld AG publishes its first Sustainability Report

Polymers and specialty chemicals distributor Biesterfeld AG (Hamburg, Germany) has recently been releasing its first sustainability report. The report provides an overview of the current activities of the group with respect to economic, environmental and social parameters.
Biesterfeld said, the company “places a high value on the safe and environmentally friendly use of its products as well as energy, water and other raw materials”. Since November 2014 the group is a participant in the UN Global Compact – a network initiated by the United Nations, in order to shape the process of globalisation, both socially and ecologically.
With this sustainability report, Biesterfeld demonstrates its commitment to the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact concerning human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. For the report, Biesterfeld uses the guidelines of the independent Global Reporting Initiative, the organisation which also certified the report, the company said.

Source: Biesterfeld press release

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

Brenntag acquires Leis Polytechnik polymere Werkstoffe GmbH and enters High-performance Polymers Compounding

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), earlier this week announced that has signed an agreement to acquire Leis Polytechnik polymere Werkstoffe GmbH, (Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany), a company specialised in the development, production and distribution of high-performance polymer compounds.
Leis delivers around 700 products for a wide range of applications in highly diverse industries in Germany such as Automotive, Electronics, Medical Technology, Packaging and Building & Construction, Brenntag said in the announcement.
According to Brenntag, the acquired business is expected to generate sales of approximately EUR 11.3 mn in the financial year 2016. Based on a Gross Profit 2016 of ca. EUR 5.9 mn, a “normalised” EBITDA of ca. EUR 2.3 mn should be reached.

The closing of the transactions will occur in the course of the next weeks, Brenntag said. The investment amounts to EUR 15.9 mn.

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

Azelis closes Acquisition of KODA Distribution Group

Specialty chemicals distributor Azelis Group (Antwerp, Belgium) and KODA Distribution Group (Stamford, CT – United States) announced earlier this week that the transaction to acquire US-based distributor KODA Distribution Group (KDG), has been completed and has closed effective 17. December 2015, following regulatory clearance.
Since 21. December 2015, KDG is trading as Azelis Americas and is led by Frank Bergonzi, CEO and President of Azelis Americas, and a member of the Azelis Board of Directors. Frank Bergonzi reports to Hans Joachim Müller, CEO Azelis Group.
According to the statement, Azelis Americas “will continue to operate in the USA and Canada using its existing business model and go-to-market strategy. Its renowned local brands will be maintained and co-branded with the Azelis visual identity, thereby emphasizing its local focus on absolute customer service, now backed by a global structure. Specialty markets are also aligned across the Group.”

Source: Azelis website

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

IMCD to nominate two new Members to the Supervisory Board at next AGM

Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) last week announced that Julia van Nauta Lemke–Pears and Janus Smalbraak will be nominated for appointment as members of IMCD’s Supervisory Board at the next Annual General Meeting of IMCD, to be held on 12. May 2016.
This is a consequence of the recent reductions of Bain Capital’s shareholding in IMCD and in accordance with the Relationship Agreement between IMCD and Bain Capital.  Two out of three of the Supervisory Board members nominated by Bain Capital will resign at IMCD’s next Annual General Meeting, the company said. After the appointments of Julia van Nauta Lemke – Pears and Janus Smalbraak, the Supervisory Board will consist of four independent members and one Bain Capital nominated member.

Source: IMCD website, where more details on the two proposed members can be found

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2016

Brenntag acquires Plastichem Pty Ltd. In South Africa

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), announced recently that it has signed an agreement to purchase 100% of the shares of the specialty chemicals distributor Plastichem Pty Ltd., (Kempton Park [Johannesburg], South Africa).
The acquired company  is a distributor of high performance polymers for plastics and rubber with a focus on “entire supply chain solutions and services to customers in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa”.
Plastichem is expected to achieve sales of approx. EUR 26.9 mn in FY2016. Closing of the transaction is expected in the course of the next few weeks, subject to contractually agreed closing conditions, Brenntag said.

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

Bain Capital places 4 million shares of IMCD with Institutional Investors

Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) recently nnounced that is has been informed that Emma (BC) Holding S.C.A., an entity indirectly controlled by the investment funds managed by Bain Capital Investors, LLC (“Bain Capital”), the major shareholder of IMCD, has placed 4 million IMCD shares with institutional investors in an accelerated bookbuilding process. The placement was executed at a price of EUR 33.60 per share.
This transaction is increasing the free float to 92.1%. Bain Capital now holds a minority position of 7.9% in IMCD.
Source: IMCD website

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2016

Brenntag successfully places Senior Unsecured Bond with Institutional investors

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), recently announced that the group has successfully finalised the placement of a bond with warrant units due 2022, with a final issue size of USD 500 m and a coupon of 1.875% per annum
The offering was placed with institutional investors and significantly over-subscribed, according to the statement.
With this specific debt instrument Brenntag AG expects to “benefit … from attractive market opportunities for US Dollar funding”. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes including the financing of recently signed acquisitions, the company said.

Source: Brenntag press release, for details see http://www.brenntag.com/corporate/en/about-brenntag/media/news/brenntag-ag-finalizes-the-successful-placement-of-a-senior-unsecured-bond.jsp and http://www.brenntag.com/corporate/en/about-brenntag/media/news/brenntag-ag-to-issue-a-us-dollar-500-million-senior-unsecured-bond-with-warrant-units-due-2022.jsp

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2015

IMCD reaches Agreement on the Acquisition of Selectchemie LTDA in Brazil

Specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) earlier this month announced that the group has reached agreement on the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Selectchemie LTDA (Sao Paulo, Brazil), a distributor of pharmaceutical ingredients in Brazil.
Originally founded in 1970, the company is owned by Selectchemie AG (Zurich, Switzerland) and two of the current managers. Revenues in 2014 were BRL 68 mn with 43 staff. The portfolio includes an broad range of excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients, which complements IMCD’s existing position in Brazil, the statement said.
After completion of the acquisition, which is expected before the end of 2015, the company will continue operation with its present management and staff.

Source: IMCD website

HGE – DCG / 23.12.2016

Hawkins, Inc. to take over Stauber Performance Ingredients from Private Equity Investor

North American chemical distributor Hawkins, Inc. (Roseville, MN – United States) has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which Hawkins has agreed to acquire Stauber Performance Ingredients (Fullerton, CA – United States) from ICV Partners II, L.P. and other shareholders in a cash for stock transaction.
Founded in 1969, Stauber offers specialty products and ingredients to the Nutrition, Food, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Pet Care industries. The company has approx. 160 employees, and operates facilities in California and New York. Revenues were ca.  USD 117 mn for the twelve months ended 30. September 2015.
To fund the acquisition, Hawkins say it intends to use cash on hand and has secured a committed financing facility with two  banks. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Closing is expected to be in in late December.
Source: Hawkins website

HGE – DCG / 01.12.2015

Overlack to expand Network and acquire Lansdowne Chemicals in UK

Chemicals distributor Overlack AG (Mönchengladbach, Germany) has announced the acquisition of Lansdown Chemical (Carterton, Oxon – UK). Besides distribution of chemicals, the company manufactures Nitrate Products and operates a specialist Hydrazine Hydrate dilution facility.
With two sites in the UK as well as a subsidiary in the Netherlands and a sales office in the USA, Lansdowne generates a turnover EUR 75 mn (GBP 55 mn), Lansdowne will continue to operate under its own name; all employees will be retained, Overlack said in a statement.
No financial details were disclosed on the transaction, which follows the acquisition of Klink Group in Germany, announced a few weeks ago.
Overlack said the investment was supported by the private equity partnership between Overlack and Hannover Finanz. Under this arrangement the financial sponsor provides equity in the form of a convertible bond.

Source: Overlack press release, Lansdowne website

HGE – DCG / 30.11.2015

IMCD opens first Lubricants Lab in Paris

Specialty chemicals distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherland) recently opened an application laboratory for the Lubricants industry, located in Paris, France. The facility is equipped for raw material and additive testing, as well as formulation development.
With this new addition to an existing international network of laboratories for the Coatings, Personal Care, Detergents, Food & Nutrition and Pharmaceutical BUs, the group now runs 26 laboratories on all continents where it operates, IMCD said.
Source: IMCD press release / website, for more details see

HGE – DCG / 30.11.2015

IMCD reports Growth in the first nine Months of 2015 (including Acquisitions)

Specialty chemicals distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherland) recently published financial results for the first 9 months of 2015. Based on sales of EUR 1’139.4 mn (+ 9% as reported, +7% on a constant currency basis) the company achieved a Gross Profit of EUR 249.4 mn, +14% compared to the first nine months of 2014 as reported (+11% on a constant currency basis).
IMCD said the first time inclusion of acquired companies (i.e. Danasia, Philippines – since September 2014, Kushalchand, India – since April 2015 and MF Cachat, United States – since 24 June 2015) had a positive contribution of ca. EUR 83 million (or ca. 8% as reported) to overall sales.
Operating EBITA increased 17% as reported % to 96.3 EUR mn (+14% on a constant currency basis)
With a Net Result before amortisation and non-recurring items of EUR 63.6 million (first nine months of 2014: EUR 35.1 million) the Cash EPS came in at EUR 1.20.

Source: IMCD press release / website, for more details see http://hugin.info/164110/R/1965894/717830.pdf

HGE – DCG / 30.11.2015

Brenntag enters Agreements to buy two Lubricants Distributors in the US

Earlier this month, global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülhiem an der Ruhr, Germany) announced that it is planning the expansion of its lubricants business in North America through two acquisitions.  In that context the group has been signing agreements to acquire lubricants distributors J.A.M. Distributing Company, LLC (Houston, TX – United States) and related entities, and G.H. Berlin-Windward (Manchester, NH – United States).
J.A.M. and G.H. Berlin-Windward are distributing along the entire lubricant supply chain in a broad range of customer industries, Brenntag said. Both companies offer integrated product and service solutions, focused on a wide range of lubricant products to users in industrial, commercial, automotive, and marine applications
Brenntag expects the two companies to contribute sales of ca. USD 780 mn in FY2016. Closing of the transactions is planned to take place in the next few weeks, subject to meeting contractually agreed conditions.
No further financial details were disclosed on the transactions.

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 30.11.2015

Brenntag reports strong Q3 Results but reduces Operating EBITDA Guidance

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), earlier this month reported that the group has achieved good results in Q3-2015, with Gross Profit and Operating EBITDA exceeding the previous year’s figures. However, continuing low demand from customers in the oil & gas industry and a slowdown in the economic climate particularly in North America, resulted in reduced growth when compared with Q1 and Q2.
Brenntag’s sales in Q3 were at the same level as in the previous quarter (+0.8% as reported), at a level of  EUR 2,607.5 mn. Gross profit came in at EUR 507.5 mn, +9.6% as reported or +1.2% on a constant currency basis. Operating EBITDA increased by 7.5% on the same period in 2014 (as reported) to EUR 204.4 mn, but declined 2.0% on a constant currency basis. Profit after tax and cash flow also increased, when compared with Q3-2014.
The group said, it saw strong results within Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. These regions contributed to growth in Q3-2015. Results in North America were impacted by continued weakness in oil & gas, according to CEO Steven Holland. He sees an “overall economic environment [that] remains challenging”, with “a number of factors affecting underlying demand in all regions.”
Regarding the EBITDA guidance, Brenntag said it “takes a more cautious view for the rest of the year to reflect the overall macroeconomic conditions”, expecting an Operating EBITDA for the group between EUR 790 and 810 mn, a figure ca. 5% lower than the initial guidance,  but still above the 2014 level of EUR 727 mn.

Source: Brenntag press release / website; for more detailed information see http://www.brenntag.com/en/pages/Presse/news/2015/Q3_2015.html

HGE – DCG / 30.11.2015

Univar Q3-2015 Results:

For more information see
http://investor.univar.com/investors/investor-news/investor-news-details/2015/Univar-Reports-Third-Quarter-2015-Financial-Results/default.aspx

Univar acquires Arrow Chemical, Inc. in the US

Chemical distributor Univar Inc. (Downers Grove, IL – USA) announced yesterday that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Univar USA Inc. (“Univar USA”), has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Arrow Chemical, Inc. (Greenwich, CT – USA), an importer and distributor of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other specialty chemical products in the U.S. market.
Arrow Chemical was founded in 1982. The company sources a broad range of APIs s well as nutritional and cosmetic ingredients from a broad network of suppliers in Asia, Western Europe, and the U.S., Univar said in a statement.
No financial details were disclosed on the transaction.

Source: Univar press release

HGE – DCG / 04.11.2015

Philip Krahn named as CEO of ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH

German plastics distributor ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH (Hamburg, German) has announced that Philip Krahn has been named CEO of ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH by the Executive Board of the KRANICH Foundation and the Management Board of the OTTO KRAHN (GmbH & Co.) KG. He will also join the Executive Board of OTTO KRAHN Group.

The phase-in is planned as follows: Effective 1. November 2015, Philip Krahn will join the management board of ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH with specific responsibility for the Far East operations. As of 1. January 2016, he will join the executive board of Otto Krahn (GmbH & Co.) KG and will become managing director of Krahn Verwaltungs GmbH. Later in 2016, he will assume CEO responsibility within the management board of ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH, upon returning from Asia to Hamburg.
Philip Krahn is one of the shareholders of the family owned OTTO KRAHN Group. He joined the family company in November 2010 and has until now worked in various roles in Hamburg, the UK and Asia, currently as managing director of ALBIS Plastic (Far East) Ltd., Hong Kong, and its Chinese subsidiaries.

Source: Albis press release

HGE – DCG / 04.11.2015

Azelis to acquire KODA Distribution Group in a major Transatlantic Move

Specialty chemicals distributor Azelis Group [“Azelis”] (Antwerp, Belgium) announced that it will acquire KODA Distribution Group [“KDG”] (Stamford, CT – United States of America).
Azelis said that KDG will see a change of its name to Azelis Americas. It continues to be led by Frank Bergonzi, CEO and President of KDG, who will assume the role as CEO and President of Azelis Americas. He will also become a member of the Azelis Board of Directors.
Azelis plans a continued operation in the USA and Canada, using the existing business model and go-to-market strategy.  The unit will maintain its regional brands and specialty chemicals sales to customers via what it calls “industry verticals”, and through dedicated experts.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2015. No financial details were disclosed.

Source: Azelis website

HGE – DCG / 19.10.2015

Overlack acquires Stuttgart based Klink Group

Privately owned chemical distributor Overlack AG (Mönchengladbach, Germany) at the beginning of this month announced that it reached agreement to take over chemical raw materials supplier K.H. Klink Chemierohstoffe GmbH (Stuttgart, Germany) including  the associated tank terminal for bulk storage of chemicals (“Klink Group”).

The Klink Group includes raw materials sales offices in Germany and Switzerland as well as a bulk tank storage facility on the River Rhine near Ludwigshafen, Overlack said in a statement. The facility comprises more than 38 tanks with capacities between 30 and 1,500 m³, as well as a barge terminal and  rail access.
Klink has sales activities in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia.

Source: Overlack press release

HGE – DCG / 19.10.2015

Azelis opens first Subsidiary on the African Continent

Earlier in the summer, chemical distribution group Azelis (Antwerp, Belgium) has founded its first subsidiary in Africa, Azelis Morocco. The company is part of a strategy to target countries with a high growth potential. It is located in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco.

Initially the new entity will focus on specialty ingredients and additives distribution for the Food & Health industry in Morocco, Azelis said in a statement. Later it will look to serve the whole Maghreb region.

Source: Azelis website

HGE – DCG / 19.10.2015

TER GROUP sets up Subsidiary TER Italia S.r.l.

Effective beginning of September, specialty chemicals distribution group TER GROUP (Hamburg, Germany) has opened a subsidiary in Italy, TER Italia S.r.l. The company is part of a strategy to drive expansion into Southern Europe and is located in Milano.

Existing business of TER Chemicals Distribution, which was to-date managed as export from German, will in the future be handled by the new legal entity, which is being managed by Country Manager Ivan Calcaterra, who joined the group after having worked for many years at a large minerals producer.

Source: TER GROUP press release, DCG analysis

HGE – DCG / 19.10.2015

Caldic acquires Danish Food Ingredients and Specialty Chemicals Distributor R2 Group

International producer and distributor of food ingredients and chemicals, Caldic B.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) last week announced that it has acquired R2 Group (Hedensted, Denmark), a distributor and formulator of food and feed ingredients as well as specialty chemical products.
The company, which was so far owned by its management team: Peter Skou, Thomas Nielsen and Lars Skou and the Danish private equity fund Maj Invest Equity, it mostly active in the Nordic Region, but also has sales in The Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
No financial details were disclosed on this transaction, which Caldic is funding from its on cash flow as well as financing arranged by Rabobank Rotterdam.

Source: Caldic / R2 press release

HGE – DCG / 28.09.2015

Brenntag plans to acquire Industrial Chemicals Distributor TAT Group in Singapore

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim and er Ruhr, Germany) has announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire TAT Group (Singapore) from parent company SHS Holdings Limited [“SHS”], a company listed on the main board of the Singapore stock exchange.
TAT Group is a distributor of industrial chemicals, with activities in Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Indonesia, Brenntag said in an announcement. The business, including a broad range of solvents, is expected to generate total sales of approximately EUR 145 mn in FY2015, according to the statement.
Closing of the transaction is expected in Q4-2015, subject to the approval of shareholders of SHS Holdings Limited and certain other closing conditions such as regulatory approvals
The transaction comprises SHS’ shares in Tat Petroleum Pte Ltd (“Tat Singapore”) and Axxmo International Pte Ltd, as well as PT Tat Petroleum Co. Ltd, a unit of Tat Singapore. SHS Holdings estimates the total cash consideration to be approx. EUR 67 mn (or SGD 100.288 mn).

Source: Brenntag press release, SHS Holdings press release and stock exchange filing

HGE – DCG / 28.09.2015

NRC appoints Irina Zschaler Co-Managing Director

Privately owned Specialty Chemicals distributor Nordmann, Rassmann Gmbh [NRC] (Hamburg, Germany) has appointed Irina Zschaler to the position of Co-Managing Director, replacing Gabriele Henke, who is planning to retire at the end of 2015 after more than 30 years of service.

Irina Zschaler, who started working with NRC in 1989, will be taking responsibility for the Life Sciences and Coatings & Construction business units, as well as Finance, IT and the subsidiary companies Neoquimica (Portugal) and prochem (Switzerland), NRC said in a statement.
After having been appointed Managing Director in 2008, Gabriele Henke will be entering retirement at the end of this year. ‘We would like to take this opportunity of thanking her warmly for her many years of exceptionally successful and committed work on behalf of the NRC Group. In the crucial years of its development, she has helped the NRC to become an internationally successful chemicals distributor and made a major contribution to the company,’ Edgar E. Nordmann is quoted saying.
Edgar E. Nordmann, Dr. Gerd Bergmann and Carsten Güntner continue as members of the Management Board of NRC, their roles otherwise remaining unchanged.

Source: NRC press release

HGE – DCG / 17.09.2015

Lehmann & Voss & Co. has taken over Plastics Compounder WMK Plastics

Privately owned chemical distribution and specialty plastics and rubber compounding group Lehmann & Voss & Co. (Hamburg, Germany) has taken over compounder WMK Plastics GmbH (Solingen, Germany).

The company, which employs ca. 40 people at its two sites in Wuppertal and Solingen, is a producing and marketing engineering plastics compounds for a broad range of technical applications.
Lehmann & Voss said that it plans to run WMK Plastics GmbH as an independent subsidiary within the group, with Managing Director Thorsten Rosenbohm continuing in his current role.

Source: Lehman & Voss & Co. press release

HGE – DCG / 17.09.2015

Bang & Bonsomer acquires Plastics Masterbatch Producers Unicolor & Normatch

Specialty chemicals and raw materials distributor Bang & Bonsomer Oy (Helsinki, Finland) announced that the company has acquired all shares of Mats Karlsson Plast AB (Ängelholm, Sweden) and its subsidiaries Unicolor AB and Normatch AS.
Unicolor/Normatch is a producer of plastic colours and additives with production facilities and offices in Ängelholm, Sweden (Unicolor AB) and in Oslo, Norway (Normatch AS), specialized in customized high quality masterbatches for the plastic converting industry.
All the personnel of Unicolor and Normatch, except the former owner Mats Karlsson, will continue in Bang & Bonsomer. Unicolor and Normatch will be merged to Bang & Bonsomer Group and Unicolor will stay as a brand name for the products in the market.
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Source: Bang & Bonsomer press release

HGE – DCG / 17.09.2015

IMCD’s Free Float increased to 84.5% following an recent Private Placement

Specialty chemicals distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) has announced that following the recent private placement of 4 million IMCD shares at EUR 31.00 per share with institutional investors in an accelerated book building process by major shareholder Bain Capital, the free float has been increased to 84.4%.

Following this transaction with institutional investors, Bain Capital now holds 15.6% in IMCD, the company said last week.

Source: IMCD press release

HGE – DCG / 16.09.2015

IMCD opens new Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Specialty chemicals distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands) has recently opened an office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The new office will predominantly focus on the Food & Nutrition, Personal Care and Plastics market sectors.

IMCD said that with this move it is expanding its existing network of offices in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Source: IMCD press release

HGE – DCG / 16.09.2015

Brenntag takes over “Small Pack” Ethanol Business from Cargill

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) will take over from Cargill, Inc. (Wayzata, MN – United States) the “small pack specialty business” in Food and Pharma Grade Alcohol, serving customers in Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical and Food & Beverages in the Netherlands and Belgium.
The company will also enter a long term supply agreement with Cargill. The takeover is geared at increasing the company’s presence in the Life Sciences Sector, Brenntag said in a statement.

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 16.09.2015

Barentz acquires Food Ingredients Distributor New Skyport in China

Food ingredients distributor Barentz International N.V. (Hoofddorp, The Netherlands) earlier this week announced that it has acquired New Skyport (Shanghai, China), a distributor of specialty ingredients to the Food, Beverage & Nutrition industry.

New Skyport employs a staff of 30 people at six locations, Shanghai, Dalian, Tianjin, Quingdao, Guangzhao and Chengdu. It is planned to integrate the business into the local legal entity Barentz (Shanghai) Trading Company Co Ltd. over the next few months, Barentz said in a statement.

Source: Barentz press release

HGE – DCG / 16.09.2015

Brenntag acquires Parkoteks Kimya in Turkey

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) has signed an agreement to acquire Parkoteks Kimya San. ve Tic. A.Ş. (Istanbul, Turkey). The company, which was established in 1989,  offers a range of specialty chemicals products, mostly for the Personal Care industry. It  had a turnover in FY 2014 of EUR 14.3 mn.

Clossing is expected for the coming weeks, Brenntag said in a statement. No financial details were disclosed on the transaction.

Source: Brenntag press release

HGE – DCG / 16.09.2015

Brenntag expands in Middle East by investing in Dubai-based Trychem

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) has announced the acquisition of a 51% ownership share in chemical distributor Trychem FZC (Dubai, United Arab Emirates).

Trychem is active in the distribution of Solvents serving the Paint, Ink and Coatings industries mainly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and East Africa, Brenntag said in a statement. The company also offers mixing, blending, packaging and labeling capacities.

In a first step, Brenntag will hold 51% and Tri Star Transport LLC/JRA Holding 49%. No financial details were disclosed on this transaction.

Source: Brenntag website

HGE – DCG / 26.08.2015

Lehmann & Voss acquires Gee Lawson in the UK

Privately owned specialty chemicals distributor Lehmann & Voss & Co. (Hamburg, Germany) last week announced the successful acquisition of Gee Lawson Holdings Limited. (London, United Kingdom) through its subsidiary LEHVOSS UK Limited (Congleton, United Kingdom).

The acquisition is “a strategic move that strengthens the LEHVOSS Groups portfolio in the nutritional and life science sectors across Europe and globally” the company said in a statement.
Gee Lawson founded in 1936 and employing 34 with its head office in London, is a leading specialist distributor of ingredients into the Nutritional and Chemical Life Science sectors across Europe and the US.
According to Ivan Pennington, Managing Director of LEHVOSS UK, Gee Lawson provides a strategic opportunity and fits well with [the] vision for the future, being focused on a sector in which the company wants to develop as a group.
No financial details were disclosed on this transaction.

Source: LEHVOSS website

HGE / DCG – 26.08.2015

Brenntag reports good Performance for Q2-2015

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) has yesterday reported its results for Q2-2015.

Sales to EUR 2,691.4 mn, an increase of 7.6% (as reported) on the same quarter in the previous year, while Gross Profit increased by 16.5% (as reported) to EUR 585.3 (4.3% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA was 20.7% higher (as reported) at EUR 215.4 mn EUR (6.7% on a constant currency basis).

In local currency the growth was less pronounced. It did also vary considerably by geographic region. A full set of numbers can be downloaded from the company website.

Source: Brenntag website

HGE – DCG / 07.08.2015

Brenntag publishes Sustainability Report 2015 and joins “Together for Sustainability” Industry Initiative

Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) has recently published its 2015 Sustainability Report, outlining its activities in the areas of safety, resource efficiency, supply chain responsibility, compliance and how it interacts with its employees and society at large.

Brenntag says the report was prepared in line with the standards of the internationally recognized “Global Reporting Initiative” and achieved Application Level B due to what the company calls “improved depth and quality compared to the first report in 2013”.
The publication of the report follows the group’s sign-up to the UN Global Compact in October 2014 and its new membership of the chemical industry’s “Together for Sustainability” initiative, which the company joined  just a few weeks ago.

Source: Brenntag website

HGE – DCG / 07.08.2015

Safic-Alcan acquires the Distribution Business from Chimsnab BG in Bulgaria

Specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan SA (Paris, France) earlier this week announced that it has acquired the chemical distribution business of Chimsnab BG JSC (Ruse, Bulgaria).

Chimsnab, which is focussed on polymer compounds and specialty chemicals, has offices in Sofia and Ruse. The latter location on the border to Romania is also being used as a logistics hub. The company had sales of ca. EUR 9 mn in 2014, with a staff of 18, which have all transfered to the new company, Safic-Alcan said in the statement.

Source: Safic-Alcan press release

HGE – DCG / 07.08.2015

Maroon Group LLC acquires the Assets of D.B. Becker Co., Inc. on the US East Coast

US speciality chemicals distributor Maroon Group LLC (Akron, OH – Unites States) last week announced that it has acquired 100% of the assets of D.B. Becker Co., Inc. (Clinton, NJ – United States), a distributor of specialty chemicals with activities on the East Coast, “from “Maine to Miami”.

Founded in 1954, D.B. Becker supplies close to 1’000 customers with raw materials for the Paints & Coatings, Inks, Adhesives, Polyurethane, Construction and Plastics industries. The company had sales of ca. US$ 45 mn in 2014. D.B. Becker’s management team will continue to actively manage the business, the buyer said in a statement.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Source: Maroon Group press release, ICIS Top-100 List (July 2015)

HGE – DCG / 07.08.2015

Safic-Alcan acquires a Majority Stake in US-based Distributor ChemSpec Ltd.

Specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan SA (Paris, France) last week announced that it will acquire a majority stake in distributor ChemSpec, Ltd. (Akron, OH – United States).

ChemSpec, Ltd. was founded in 2003 by Dave Moreland. The company focusses on the Rubber and the Adhesives industry. Its sales forecast for 2015 is expected to exceed US$ 41 mn (up from US$ 36 mn last year).
Safic-Alcan said the acquisition allows it to control 75% of ChemSpec, Ltd. Dave Moreland will remain in place in the future organization as President and minority shareholder,.
“This transaction is in line with the strategic vision of the Group to expand geographically in North America while developing business on its own without any restriction”, Martial Lecat, CEO of Safic-Alcan is quoted saying.

Source: Safic-Alcan press release

HGE – DCG / 04.08.2015

Bang & Bonsomer acquires BOCO in Share Deal

Finnish specialty chemicals distributor Bang & Bonsomer Group Oy (Helsinki, Finland) last month announced the acquisition of the shares of Nordic Board Agents and Consultants Ltd. (“BOCO”), an agency representing producers of corrugated raw materials, specialty papers and boards, carton boards and biopolymers.

The company has offices in Helsinki, FI and Moscow, RU. It is active in the Nordic countries, the Baltics, Russia and the CIS countries, Bang & Bonsomer said in a statement. Customers include printing houses, brand owners and design houses.
No financial details were disclosed on the transaction.

Source: Bang & Bonsomer press release

HGE – DCG / 04.08.2015

Swiss Distributor Albert Isliker & Co. AG sold to Falcone Holding AG

Swiss specialty chemicals distributor Albert Isliker & Co. AG (Zürich, Switzerland) has been sold to compatriot specialty chemicals distributor Falcone Holding AG („FALCONE“) (Otelfingen, Switzerland), effective 30. June 2015. This transaction was part of the succession planning for long-time managing shareholder Albert Isliker, who will be retiring this summer.

With its wholly owned subsidiary Falcone Chemical Specialities AG („FCS“) the FALCONE group has over the last years established itself as a successful marketer of specialty chemicals in Switzerland and several other countries across Europe, FALCONE said in a statement earlier this month.
Albert Isliker & Co. AG (“AIC”) has originally been established in 1843 as a trading company. It has been owned by the Isliker family since 1937. The company distributes raw materials and additives from a range of international supplies, particularly to the Paints & Coatings, Plastics and Food industries.
No financial details were disclosed on this transaction.

Source: AIC and FALCONE press releases and customer communication

HGE – DCG / 30.07.2015

DistriConsult comment: Günther Eberhard, Managing Partner of DistriConsult GmbH acted as corporate finance adviser to the shareholders of Albert Isliker & Co. AG for this transaction.