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    All posts by Guenther Eberhard

    Brenntag posts mixed Q2-2016 Results

    Brenntag reports good Business in EMEA and Asia, but experiences Head Winds in NAM and LAM

    Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) has published mixed results for Q2-2016 earlier this week. Brenntag’s sales decreased slightly versus Q2-2015, to EUR 2’664.0 mn (-1.0% as reported). Gross Profit was EUR 603.6 mn, an increase of 3.1% as reported, or 6.3% on a constant currency basis. Overall, the group generated a second-quarter operating EBITDA of EUR 215.8 mn, at +0.2% flat on a year-on-year comparison as reported (an increase of 3.3% on a constant currency basis).

     

    Brenntag highlighted that strong growth in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions and the contributions from recent acquisitions were offset by declining earnings due to continued weak demand in North America, above all from customers in the North American Oil & Gas business, and what Brenntag calls a “persistently difficult situation in Venezuela”.

     

    Profit after tax was down slightly at EUR 102.1 mn (compared to EUR 108.1 mn in Q2-2015). This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of EUR 0.66 per share. At EUR 164.7 mn in the second quarter of 2016, free cash was only marginally below the high prior-year figure (EUR 167.1 mn).

     

    For 2016 as a whole, Brenntag is forecasting an increase in its key performance indicators, namely  operating Gross Profit and operating EBITDA. Group operating EBITDA is expected to be between EUR 800 and 840 mn.

     

    Source: Brenntag press release

     

    HGE – DCG / 12.08.2016

    Azelis acquires Ametech

    Azelis expands with Acquisition in Italy

    International speciality chemicals distributor Azelis (Munsbach, Luxembourg), has announced that the group has acquired 100% of Ametech S.r.l. (Milano, Italy), a distributor serving small and medium-sized formulators of Agrochemicals and Fertilisers.

     

    The company  has operations in Italy, France and Spain and employes approc. 30 People, Azelis said in a statement. Key product groups are  adjuvants and surfactants. Other industries served include Feed and Veterinary, Emulsion Polymerisation and General Industrial Applications.

     

    No financial details were disclosed on this transaction.

     

    Source: Azelis press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 12.08.2016

    Biesterfeld Spezialchemie expands Presence in Pharma

    Biesterfeld acquires German Distributor Schütz & Co.

    Speciality chemicals Distributor Biesterfeld AG (Hamburg, Germany), has announced that the group has acquired compatriot Schütz & Co. GmbH & Co. KG (Hamburg, Germany), a distributor of “customised” APIs and Excipients.

     

    Schütz & Co. was founded in 1892 and serves customers in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics in more than 50 countries, Biesterfeld said in a statement. The company will be managed in the future by Inge Gotthard (Head LifeScience, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie) and Dr. Nicole Hamelau (Managing Director,  Biesterfeld Spezialchemie).

    No finanial details were disclosed on this transaction, which was done  effective 01. August 2016.

     

    Source: Biesterfeld press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 08.08.2016

    Good Results for DKSH in 1H2016

    EBIT at DKSH’s Performance Materials BU increases by 54%

    Last week, speciality chemicals  distributor DKSH AG (Zurich, Switzerland)  reported solid financial results for the first semester of 2016.

     

    Driven by increased demand for specialty chemicals, net sales were CHF 434.2 mn, 12.3% above the same period in 2015 (+ 8.6% at constant exchange rates / “CER”). EBIT more that doubled to CHF 38.5 mn (+54.0% as reported, +45.6% at CER). DKSH said the strong performance with an EBIT-Margin of 8.9% was supported by all regions, with particularly strong growth seen in Japan.

     

    For the whole group, a growth of 2.3% brought net sales to CHF 5.1 bn, exceeding the “5 billion mark” for the first time.

     

    Source: DKSH press release & half year report

     

    HGE / DCG – 22.07.2016

    Ravago Chemicals joins Fecc

    Fecc adds new Direct Member

    Chemicals distributor Ravago Chemicals (Luxembourg, Luxembourg) has joined the membership ranks of The European Association of Chemical Distributors Fecc (Brussels, Belgium), the association recently said in a statement.

     

    Ravago Chemicals bundles the chemicals activities of Ravago (Arendonk, Belgium), a family owned group of companies, predominantly known for its global presence in the distribution, compounding and recycling of Polymers.

     

    Source: Fecc website

     

    HGE / DCG – 20.07.2016

    Fecc appoints new Director General

    Elisa Setién to succeed Dr. Uta Jensen-Korte effective 01. September 2016

    The European Association of Chemical Distributors Fecc (Brussels, Belgium) has announced the appointment of Elisa Setién as Director General. She will take over from Dr. Uta Jensen-Korte, who has led the association since 2010 and who retires at the end of August, Fecc said in a statement last week.

     

    Ms. Setién, a Spanish national and engineer by profession, will join Fecc on 01. August 2016 for a smooth handover and transition from her current position as Director General at the European Federation of construction Chemicals (EFCC). She began her career at AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification), where she held various positions first at the Standardization Division, and afterwards at the International Cooperation Unit, where she was detached to manage EU-funded Technical Assistance projects in the field of Free Movement of Goods (Quality Infrastructure). Since 2008, she worked at EFCC (European Federation for Construction Chemicals), where she was responsible for the overall management of the Federation, representing the industry towards the EU institutions as well as the internal and external stakeholders.

     

    Neville Prior, President of Fecc is quoted in the statement: “As a Board Member and more recently as President of Fecc, it has been a genuine pleasure to work with Uta. Uta has displayed great technical knowledge as well as a strong empathy for all the people that she has worked with. Uta’ s term of office will be remembered for taking Fecc forward with a renewed sense of purpose, as well as for her energy, enthusiasm and dedication. The European Chemical Distribution sector owes her a debt of gratitude indeed. As Uta takes her well-earned retirement, we welcome Elisa Setién to Fecc as the new Director General. Elisa was chosen from a broad and strong field of candidates, and I know she will bring energy to Fecc as well as a strong sense of direction for the future.

     

    Source: Fecc press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 18.07.2016

    Safic-Alcan Nordic now a wholly-owned Subsidiary

    Safic-Alcan completes Purchase of outstanding Shares of Safic-Alcan Nordic

    International specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan (Puteaux (Paris), France) has announced that it has acquired the remaining 50% of the shares in  subsidiary Safic-Alcan Nordic AB (Kungsbacka, Sweden), thereby obtaining full control.

     

    Safic-Alcan Nordic was founded in 1997 under the name Nordica Elastomers. Today the company employs 10 people and serves over 200 customers in Scandinavia and the Baltics with products from more than 30 suppliers. Under the managemnt of President Turnover in 2015 has been EUR 12 mn, Safic-Alcan said in a statement.

     

    Source: Safic-Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 18.07.2016

    Safic-Alcan renames Dutch Subsidiary

    Necorbo B.V. now trading as Safic-Alcan Necarbo B.V.

    International specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan (Puteaux (Paris), France) has announced that it has renamed it Dutch subsidiary Necarbo B.V. (Beverwijk, The Netherlands) into Safic-Alcan Necarbo B.V. as part of a group-wide rebranding campaign which also includes a new comapny logo, that was introduced a few months ago.

     

    Source: Safic-Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 16.07.2016

    Azelis Board Appointment

    Michael Roney to join Azelis’ Board of Directors

    Speciality chemicals distributor Azelis (Antwerp, Belgium), has announced that Michael James Roney has joined its Board of Directors.

     

    Roney was formerly Chief Executive of Bunzl, an international distribution and outsourcing group, listed on the London Stock Exchange in the FTSE 100 index. It has operations spanning 29 countries and 4 continents. Having served as CEO since 2005 and prior to that as non-executive director, he retired from the company earlier this year. Under his more than 10 years of leadership, Bunzl moved into the FTSE 100, made more than 100 acquisitions and had a compound annual TSR of 17%, the statement said.
    According to Azelis, “the wealth of experience Roney gained at Bunzl and also in other international senior management positions and non-executive directorships, will provide excellent support to Azelis in setting the strategic direction for the business.

     

    Source: Azelis press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 07.07.2016

    Safic-Alcan strengthens Position in China

    Sichuan HuaFaMei Enterprise Co., Ltd. now a wholly owned Subsidiary

     International specialty chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan (Puteaux (Paris), France) has announced that it has acquired the outstanding shares of Sichuan HuaFaMei Enterprise Co., Ltd. (Chengdu, Sichuan, China), thereby obtaining full control.

     

    After acquiring an initial 50% stake in 2006, then through group member BimSiframGroup, the group is now sole owner of in Sichuan HuaFaMei Enterprise Co., Ltd. The former co-shareholder and acting President, Charles Hu, will remain in place and will continue to actively manage the business, Safic-Alcan said.

     

     

    Founded in 1997, Sichuan HuaFaMei Enterprise Co., Ltd, specializes in offering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), intermediates, plant extracts, chemical raw materials and other drug products. The company employs 44 people in China and had revenues of EUR 14 mn in 2015.

     

    Source: Safic-Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 06.07.2016

    Changes in Executive Board of Georg Nordmann Holding

    Irina Zschaler to join GNH Executive Board, Gabriele Henke to retire End of Month

    Georg Nordmann Holding AG [GNH], the parent company of specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH [NRC] (Hamburg, Germany) announced that Irina Zschaler has been appointed member of Georg Nordmann Holding AG´s Executive Board, effective 01. July 2016 At the same time she remains Managing Director of Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH. Irina Zschaler is the successor to Gabriele Henke, who will be retiring 31. July 2016.

     

    Irina Zschaler, who started her career at NRC in August 1989, initially worked in Product Management. Later she moved on to a Business Unit Manager position in the Coatings and Composites department. As of 2012 she was responsible for the subsidiaries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), before being named Co-Managing Director of Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH for the divisions “Life Sciences” and “Coatings & Construction” as well as Finance, IT, and for the subsidiaries CEE, Neoquimica S.A. (Portugal) and prochem AG (Switzerland).

     

    Gabriele Henke will be entering retirement at the end of July, after more than 30 years with Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH, having been Managing Director since 2008 and member of the Executive Board of Georg Nordmann Holding AG since 2013, NRC said in the statement.

     

    “We would like to take this opportunity to thank her warmly for her many years of exceptionally successful and committed work on behalf of the GNH and NRC Group. In the crucial years of its development, she has helped the NRC Group become an internationally successful chemical distributor and made a major contribution to the company,’ Edgar E. Nordmann is quote saying.

     

    Source: NRC press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 06.07.2016

    Azelis implements Management Changes

    Thijs Bakker to join Azelis as CFO, Laurent Nataf to move to Asia-Pacific

    Specialty chemicals distributor Azelis S.A. (Antwerp, Belgium) has made several new management appointments, the group said in a statement earlier this week.

     

    Thijs Bakker will join the company in September as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following the retirement of Martin Hollenhorst in August. Bakker has worked for over 15 years at AkzoNobel in various finance roles in the Netherlands, the U.S. and across the Asia Pacific region. His most recent assignment was that of Finance Director Marine & Protective Coatings at AkzoNobel, based in Singapore, the announcement said.

     

    Laurent Nataf, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been appointed CEO and President Asia Pacific, effective 01. August 2016. According to Azelis, Asia represents a significant growth opportunity for the group. After a “rapid growth trajectory in China and Japan, we are strengthening our team in the region in order to further exploit the potential and accelerate our development, serving better our partners” a company representative said.

     

    In a related move, Anna Bertona, currently Chief Strategy and Principal Officer, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) EMEA. This move is also effective 01. August 2016

     

    Source: Azelis press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 06.07.2016

    IMCD expands US Pharma Coverage

    IMCD acquires US-based Mutchler Inc. and Mutchler of Puerto Rico Inc.

    International speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherland),  has acquired 100% of Mutchler Inc. (Harrington Park, New Jersey, USA) and Mutchler of Puerto Rico Inc. (Cayey, Puerto Rico, USA) to expand its presence in the Pharmaceuticals sector.

     

    In a statementIMCD said, Mutchler, which generates revenues of USD 28 mn and has ca. 30 employees,  “perfectly complements the existing IMCD US operations”. The Company supplies Excipients and Specialty Ingredients.

    No financial Details were disclosed on the Transaction.

     

    Source: IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 01.07.2016

    IMCD makes Acquisition in Kenya

    IMCD to acquire the Business of Chemicals and Solvents (EA) Ltd.

    International speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherland),  has agreed to acquire the business of Chemicals and Solvents (EA) Ltd. [C&S](Nairobi, Kenya) to expand IMCD’s existing operations in Africa.


    Founded by Abdul Farrah in 1989, C&S today is a distributor of ingredients to the Food, Cosmetics, Detergents and Pharmaceutical industries. Besides Kenya, the company also serves neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania. In 2015 C&S generated revenue of EUR 5 mn. The Company has 26 employees.

     

    The transaction is expected to close during Q3-2016. IMCD said the business will continue with its present management and staff.

     

    Source: IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 30.06.2016

    Brenntag to acquire Warren Chem

    Brenntag expands in the Pharma and Food Industry in South Africa

    Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), today announced the signing of an agreement acquiring Warren Chem Pty Ltd. (Cape Town, South Africa), a specialty chemicals distributor focusing on the Pharma and Food industries in South Africa.

    Brenntag said Warren Chem would complement the group’s existing product portfolio. The company is mainly servicing the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical as well as the Food & Beverage industry and maintains modern warehouse and distribution facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

    The acquired business generated sales of EUR 26.6 mn in FY2015, with a gross profit of EUR 7.4 mn and a normalised EBITDA of EUR 3.3 mn.   Closing of the transaction,  which is representing an investment of EUR 23.7 mn, is expected to take place during the next few months.

     

    Source: Brenntag press release, Brenntag communication

     

    HGE / DCG – 29.06.2016

    Acar Kimya joins Fecc

    Fecc attracts new Direct Member in Turkey

    Turkish specialty chemicals distributor Acar Chemicals / Acar Kimya ve Tekstil San. Tic. Ltd. Şti (Istanbul, Turkey) has recently joined The European Association of Chemical Distributors Fecc (Brussels, Belgium) as a Direct Member.

     

    The company, a privately held distribution and trading company, has its roots in Selale Kimya, a company established in Istanbul in 1940. In its current form, it was set up in 2006 by Cengiz Tuncel. Acar’s main activities today are the distribution of  specialty chemicals to the  Paints & Coatings, Construction, Textile, Leather, Polymers / Plastics,  Detergents, Food, Cosmetics and Mining industry. Since 2009, Tolga Tuncel is the managing director of Acar Kimya.

     

    Acar is the first company to have joined the association in 2016, Fecc said in a statement.

     

    Source: Acar Kimya communication, Fecc website

     

    HGE / DCG – 28.06.2016

    Philip O. Krahn new CEO of ALBIS PLASTICS

    OTTO KRAHN Group appoints Philip O. Krahn to new Executive Role

    Plastics distributor ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) yesterday announced that Philip O. Krahn will be taking over the role of CEO within the ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH Management Board, effective 01. July 2016. He was made Board Member for ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH on 01. November 2015, with responsibility for the Far East region. Later he was also appointed CEO of Otto Krahn (GmbH & Co.) KG and Krahn Verwaltungs GmbH, thereby becoming a member of the Otto Krahn Group Management Board, effective 01. January 2016.

     

    Philip Krahn will be working in his executive role at OTTO KRAHN (GmbH & Co.) KG alongside CFO Kerstin Müller-Kirchhofs. He is one of the shareholders in the family-owned OTTO KRAHN Group. At the request of the Advisory Board, Krahn will also serve as the Spokesman of the OTTO KRAHN Group Management Board, in addition to his new executive leadership position, the group said in a Statement.

     

    Source: ALBIS PLASTICS press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 24.06.2016

    Fecc elects new Board Members

    Dr. Neville Prior continues as President of Fecc

    During its General Assembly at the Annual Congress in Istanbul on 06. June 2016, Fecc – The European Association of Chemical Distributors (Brussels, Belgium) elected four nominees to the Board from the National Associations. They are Hans Christian Mengel, Kemi & Life Science, DK (Member of the KLS Board, & Regional Business Manager Nordic at Azelis), representing the Scandinavian associations; Peter Newport, CBA, UK (CEO and Company Secretary of CBA); Peter Steinbach, VCH, DE (Executive Board Member of VCH) and Cesar Villalba, AECQ, ES, (Member of the AECQ Board & General Manager at Indukern).

     

    As for the company members, Dr. Neville Prior, Cornelius group, UK was re-elected for another 2-year term. Franz Saif, BTC, DE is the new appointee to the Board. Eduardo Parella, Quimidroga, ES; Frank Schneider, IMCD, NL and Nathalie Veronelli, Eigenmann & Veronelli, IT continue to serve for a further term in the office.

     

    The top leadership of Fecc is now made up of Dr. Neville Prior, who continues in his role as President, François-Xavier Du Passage as the Vice President and Peter Newport, who was elected as the new Treasurer.

     

    Fecc said it represents around 1,600 companies, of which many are small and medium sized companies (SMEs). According to the statement, the chemical distribution industry in Europe employs more than 30,000 people and has annual sales of approx. EUR 28 bn.

     

    Fecc promotes initiatives such as Responsible Care, Product Stewardship and Good Trade and Distribution Practices. Fecc advocates ensuring that policies remain feasible, promote long-term sustainability, encourage innovation and safeguard the industry’s competitiveness while maintaining the highest standards of chemical safety.

     

    Source: Fecc press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 23.06.2016

    Bodo Möller Chemie expands in CEE

    Bodo Möller Chemie sets up Office in Zagreb, Croatia

    Speciality chemicals and formulated products distributor Bodo Möller Chemie GmbH  (Offenbach am Main, Germany),  has set up a branch office in the Croatian capital city Zagreb, the company said in a statement.

     

    From this central location within the Balkan region, products from Huntsman’s Advanced Materials portfolio will be sold. The product range includes Epoxy Resins, Polyacrylates and Polyurethanes for various bonding and sealing applications.

     

    The branch office, which will also provide “comprehensive consultancy services”,  is affiliated to Bodo Möller Chemie Austria GmbH.

     

    Its most recent expansion steps in Central & Eastern Europe were made in the Czech Republic and Russia (2014) and Hungary (2015), Bodo Möller Chemie said.

     

    Source: Bodo Möller Chemie press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 22.06.2016

    Biesterfeld establishes new BU Performance Rubber

    Biesterfeld Performance Rubber GmbH to be launched on 01. July

    Plastics and speciality chemicals distributor Biesterfeld AG  (Hamburg, Germany),  has announced that the group will set up a new subsidiary Biesterfeld Performance Rubber GmbH, scheduled to commence operations on 01 July 2016. The new entity within Biesterfeld Group will combine all international business activities for the Rubber Processing industry. Biesterfeld said. Its objective is “to further develop the rubber business strategically, while strengthening the Group’s role as a leading European distributor in this industrial segment.”

     

    Sascha Hennig and Peter Wilkes will assume management responsibility for of the new unit, which is representing a sales volume of ca. EUR 50 mn per annum. Peter Wilkes will continue to hold his function as Managing Director of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH.

     

    Biesterfeld Performance Rubber will be active in Europe, Latin America and North Africa. Local technical application support is accompanied by a comprehensive product portfolio, the statement said.

     

    Source: Biesterfeld press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 22.06.2016

    ICTA Board Election

    First General Assembly of ICTA elects new Board

    The International Chemical Trade Association ICTA (Brussels, Belgium) has held its first General Assembly on 06. June 2016  in Istanbul, Turkey. The newly elected ordinary board  is headed by Edgar E. Nordmann (Nordmann Rassmann GmbH, Germany) – President;  Douglas Brown (NACD, USA) – Vice President and Dr. Neville Prior (Fecc, Belgium) – Treasurer. Further board members are Mathew A. Brainerd (Brainerd Chemical Co., Inc., USA); Thorsten Harke (VCH, Germany); Alan Looney (IACI, Ireland); Rubens Medrano (Associquim, Brazil); Peter Newport (CBA, United Kingdom) and Oliver Zimmermann (Ter Hell GmbH, Germany).

     

    ICTA said the he New Board took up its work immediately. It will discuss, beside other matters, the priorities and topics of ICTA`s work for the next weeks and months. Important objectives for ICTA are to promote ICCTA policies through advocacy plans with national, regional and international organizations, to promote the spirit, principles and voluntary practices of Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution and other equivalent programs worldwide, and to act as interface between the industry, including its Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and international organizations and stakeholders.

     

    Source: ICTA press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 22.06.2016

    Brenntag increases Dividend

    Brenntag holds General Shareholders’ Meeting in Düsseldorf

    Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany), last week held its ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in Düsseldorf, where the shareholders voted to endorse all motions put forward by the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board. With an attendance rate of more than 74% the shareholders resolved to pay a dividend of EUR 1.00 per share, equivalent to a payout ratio of 42.3% of the profit after tax attributable to Brenntag shareholders (an increase of 11.1% on the previous year).

     

    According to CEO Steven Holland, the company inFY2015 “delivered solid results, continued to grow and clearly increased its key financial performance indicators year on year”, despite an environment of macroeconomic weakness. He attributed that to Brenntag’s robust business model and sound positioning in the markets.

     

    Source: Brenntag press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 20.06.2016

    Zhong Yung now 100% owned by Brenntag

    Brenntag buys all outstanding Shares of Zhong Yung in China

    Global chemical distributor Brenntag AG (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) recently announced that the group has signed an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares in Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd. (Shanghai, China) A first tranche of 51% was acquired in 2011 and Brenntag is now buying the remaining 49%.

     

    According to Brenntag, Zhong Yung has a significant presence across the mainland of China with distribution facilities in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The infrastructure in the key economic regions in China includes laboratories, blending and storage capabilities.

     

    Brenntag press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 08.06.2016

    Good 2015 Results for Biesterfeld

    Biesterfeld reports FY 2015 Results

    Plastics and speciality chemicals  distributor Biesterfeld AG  (Hamburg, Germany)  has reported solid financial results for 2015 yesterday. At a level of EUR 1.1 bn, group turnover was in line with the previous year, despite adverse price developments in many product categories. Operating Profit came in at EUR 40.1 mn, an increase of 23.7% over 2014, when EUR 32.4 mn were achieved.

     

    The Group is looking a further growth in 2016, driven by extensions to the product portfolio and an initiative to foster geographic expansion.

     

    Biesterfeld press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 24.05.2016

    Safic-Alcan expands in the UK

    KemCare acquired by Safic-Alcan

    Speciality chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan Group  (Puteaux  (Paris), France),  has announced earlier this week the acquisition of KemCare (London, United Kingdom), a distributor serving the Personal Care, Home Care and industrial Cleaning sectors in the UK and Ireland.

     

    The company employs a staff of nine . According to Martial Lecat, CEO of Safinca, the holding of the Safic-Alcan Group, the acquisition of KemCare is designed to diversify the range of Personal Care ingredients and to widen the portfolio offering in the UK.

     

    No financial details were disclosed on the transaction, which was executed through Safic-Alcan UK.

     

    Safic-Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 20.05.2016

    IMCD pays Cash Dividend

    IMCD’s AGM appoints two new Members to Supervisory Board

    Last week international speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherland),  has held ist Annual General Meeting, where the financial statements for 2015 were adopted and the cash dividend proposal of EUR 0.44 per share was approved.

     

    Julia van Nauta Lemke and Janus Smalbraak were appointed as members of the Supervisory Board and several changes to the company’s bylaws were voted on.

     

    IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 17.05.2016

    Univar names new CEO

    Stephen D. Newlin new CEO at Univar

    Global chemicals distributor Univar, inc.  (Downers Grove [Chicago], IL, United States),  has announced the appointment of Stephen D. Newlin as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 31. May  2016. He follows J. Eric Fyrwald, who has resigned from the Company ahead of his appointment as CEO of Agrochemicals Producer Syngenta (Basel, Switzerland).

     

    Newlin, who has  has served on the Univar Board of Directors since 2014. has more than 35 years of  experience in the chemical industry. He previously served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of PolyOne Corporation (from 2006 – 2014) and is currently serving as Executive Chairman of the Board for PolyOne, a role from which he will be retiring as 12. May 2016. Other stations in his career were Ecolab, Inc.  and Nalco Chemical Company.

     

    Univar press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 09.05.2016

    Univar CEO leaves for Syngenta

    President & CEO J. Eric Fyrwald resigns from Univar

    Global chemicals and food ingredients distributor Univar, Inc.  (Downers Grove [Chicago], IL, United States),  announced last week the voluntary resignation of J. Erik Fyrwald from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer, and from the Board of Directors of Univar, effective 31. May 2016.

     

    Fyrwald will become Chief Executive Officer of Agrochemicals Multinational Syngenta AG (Basel, Switzerland), effective 01. June 2016. There he will succeed Jon Ramsay (CFO), who has been CEO ad interim since November 2015.

     

    Syngenta and Univar press releases

    HGE / DCG – 09.05.2016

    Maroon Group acquires U.S. Chemicals

    North American Distributor Maroon Group in further Acquisition

    North American speciality chemicals distributor Maroon Group,  LLC (Avon, OH, USA),  has acquired U.S. Chemicals, LLC (Darien, CT, USA). Founded in 1960, the Company is active as a national distributor of specialty chemicals to the Coatings, Adhesive Sealants & Elastomers (CASE), Lubricants and Plastics industry.

     

    Back in January, Maroon Group had acquired CNX Distribution, covering the Southwest of the U.S. The group’s Portfolio of companies now includes Addipel, CNX Distribution, D.B. Becker, Polyram USA and U.S. Chemicals.

     

    No financial details were disclosed on this transaction

     

    Maroon Group press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.05.2016

    Brenntag expands in Asia

    Brenntag to acquire Whanee Corporation in South Korea

    Global full range chemicals distributor Brenntag AG  (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany),  has announced the acquisition of  Whanee Corporation (Gwacheon (Seoul), South Korea). The Company, a Distributor of specialty chemicals, mainly serves the domestic South Korean market with a range of Food and Beverage ingredients.

     

    The acquired business generated sales of EUR 16.8 mn in FY2015. No further Details were disclosed on theransactions, which Brenntag says will close “in the course of the next weeks”.

     

    Brenntag press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.05.2016

    Univar appoints David Jukes to new Role

    David Jukes named President Univar USA & Latin America

    Global chemicals distributor Univar, Inc.  (Downers Grove, IL, USA)  has named David Jukes Executive Vice President and President USA & Latin America, reporting to CEO Erik Fyrwald. In the new role he will have “overall responsibility for managing Univar’s commercial and supply cahin operations in the US”, in addition to his current leadership role for Latin America.

    David Jukes, who has 35 years of experience in the chemicals and polymers distribution industry, is credited with the turnaround of Univar’s businesses in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is a graduate of London Business School and has joined Univar in 2002.

     

    In a related move, Chris Oversby has been named President Univar Europe Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), also reporting to the CEO of the company. Oversby, who joined Univar in 2012 as President Global Oil, Gas and Mining, will relocate to the European head office in Chertsey, Surrey, UK later in the year. He holds an MBA with Merrit from Leeds University Business School and is a Chartered Chemist and Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

     

    The moves are effective 01.06.2016

     

    Univar press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 21.04.2016

    NRC opens Office in Istanbul

    Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH sets up a Subsidiary in Turkey

    Speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor Nordmann. Rassmann GmbH  (Hamburg, Germany),  has announced the establishment of a subsidiary for Turkey.

     

    The new company, Nordmann, Rassmann Turkey Dış Ticaret A.Ş. is scheduled to begin its operation in May. Rüstü Barkay has been appointed as Managing Director.

     

    With this latest initiative, the NRC Group is now represented through its own affiliates in a total of 15 different countries, the company said in a Statement.

     

    NRC press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 18.04.2016

    New IMCD Detergents Application Lab

    IMCD opens Application Laboratory for Detergents

    Speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V.  (Rotterdam, The Netherlands),  has announced the opening of a detergents appliaction laboratory in Hürth (Cologne), Germany.

     

    IMCD said this expansion of the group’s technical capabilites adds to the existing networ of laboratories for Paints & Coatings, Personal Care, Lubricants, Food & Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals. The new facility will support sustomers and suppliers in Home Care ans Industrial & Institutional Cleaing.

     

    Source: IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 15.04.2016

    IMCD renames US Subsidiary

    The M.F. Cachat Company renamed to IMCD US, LLC

    International speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V.  (Rotterdam, The Netherlands),  has announced that ist US subsidiary The M.F. Cachat Company has been renamed IMCD US, LLC (“IMCD US”) effective 01.04.2016.

     

    Acquired in June 2015, the company has been fully integrated into the group, IMCD said. With its head office near Cleveland, OH and ca. 90 empoyees, IMCD US currently represents a range of chemical suppliers in more than 30 states throughout the Midwest, Central, Eastern and Southern regions of the US. The company generated revenues of USD 300 mn in 2015.

     

    IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 15.04.2016

    Safic-Alcan now 100% Owner of Interplast

    Safic-Alcan increases Share in Interplast

    Speciality chemicals distributor Safic-Alcan S.A.S  (Puteaux (Paris), France),  announced that it has increased its holding in Interplast A.S. (Istanbul, Turkey) to 100%, after owning a majority share since an Initial acqusition in 2011. General Manager Ayhan Güler will continue in his current role, actively managing the business for further growth.

     

    Interplast was originally founded in 2004. The Company today employs 30 People and recorded a revenue of EUR 21 mn in 2015, Safic-Alcan said in a statement. Industries served include Adhesives, Coatings, Thermoplastics, Rubber, Cosmetics, Personal Care and Pharmaceuticals.

     

    Safic Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 04.04.2016

    IMCD opens Office in Japan

    IMCD announces Opening of its Tokyo Office

     

    Speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V.  (Rotterdam, The Netherlands),  has opened an office in Tokyo, Japan.

    The opening of this Office marks the latest step that the group has taken to build a stronghold in Asia-Pacific, IMCD said in a statement.

     

    Mr. Shunsaku Kubo has been appointed Managing Director IMCD Japan, effective 1 April 2016. He holds a bachelor degree of Chemical Engineering from the Kobe University in Japan and an MBA from University of Leicester in the UK. He brings with him more than twenty years of experience in managerial positions at a number  of chemical companies.

     

    Source: IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 03.04.2016

    Univar acquires Nexus Ag in Canada

    Univar acquires Nexus Ag Business Inc. in an Asset Deal

    International chemicals distributor Univar Inc.  (Downers Grove, IL, USA) has acquired the assets of Nexus Ag Business Inc. (Saskatoon, SK, Canada) through its wholly owned subsidiary Univar Canada Ltd., the company has announced.

    Nexus Ag, a wholesale fertiliser distributor was founded in 1997. The company is active in the Western Canada agriculture market. Ist offers a range of products, including Micronutrients, Specialty Fertilisers, Potash, Phosphates as well as liquid and soluble Nutrients.

    This transaction follows the acquisition of Future Transfer and BlueStar Distribution in October 2015.

     

    Univar press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.04.2016

    KRAHN Chemie acquires Lapis Minerals

    KRAHN Chemie takes over Lapis Minerals in Asset Deal and hires Ferry Jacobs

    Speciality chemicals distributor KRAHN Chemie GmbH (Hamburg, Germany),  has acquired the distribution activities of Lapis Minerals & Chemicals B.V. [“Lapis”] (Broek in Waterland, The Netherlands) as part of an asset deal. The focus of the Lapis business is the distribution of construction chemicals in the Benelux countries, KRAHN Chemie said in a Statement.

    Former Lapis Managing Partner Ferry Jacobs, will ensure the smooth transfer of the acquired businesses and become Technical Director Construction Chemicals for KRAHN Chemie. The transaction will be executed with retroactive effect, as per 01. January 2016. No financial details were disclosed.

     

    KRAHN Chemie press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.04.2016

    Axieo acquires SST Australia

    Axieo expands further with Acquisition of SST Australia

    Speciality chemicals distributor and masterbatch producer Axieo Pty. Ltd.  (Kew (Melbourne), VIC, Australia),  has published an announcement that it has signed an agreement to acquire SST Australia (Bayswater (Melbourne),VIC, Australia).

    The company, which was formed in 1991,  is a  supplier of Adjuvants and Spray Additives for the Agricultural and Horticultural industries in Australia and New Zealand. Axieo is planning to re-brand the company into SST Asia Pacific.

     

    Axieo website

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.04.2016

     

    DistriConsult comment: This acquisition follows the takeover of Quantum Chemicals by Axieo in late February. Axieo itself was created in October 2014, when the Specialty Chemicals Distribution and Masterbatch business of Nuplex was acquired by CHAMP Private equity.

    IMCD with 100% Free Float

    Bain Capital places 4.2 mn IMCD Shares

    Speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor IMCD N.V. (Rotterdam, The Netherlands),  has recently announced that Emma (BC) Holding S.C.A., an entity indirectly controlled by the investment funds managed by Bain Capital Investors, LLC (“Bain Capital”), one of the major shareholders of IMCD, has placed 4.2 mn IMCD shares with institutional investors in an accelerated bookbuilding process. The shares were priced at EUR 31.25 per share.

    Following this transaction, Bain Capital no longer holds any shares in IMCD’s issued share capital, the company said.

     

    IMCD press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 02.04.2016

    Brenntag acquires ACU in Germany

    Brenntag enhances Service Capabilities with ACU Pharma und Chemie GmbH (ACU) Acquisition

    Global chemicals distributor Brenntag AG  (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany),  has acquired ACU PHARMA und CHEMIE GmbH [ACU], (Apolda, Germany).

     

    According to the statement, ACU specializes in the milling and micronization of products and compound mixtures. The company produces high quality powders for customers in many different industries in a modern facility. Besides this custom / contract manufacturing Project , ACU sells its own micronized products, especially Lithium Carbonate.

    The acquired business, which Brenntags says “will enhance its service capabilities”,  generated sales of approximately EUR 4.5 mn EUR in FY2015. Based on a Gross Profit of approx. EUR 3.1 mn,  a normalized EBITDA of about EUR 1.8 mn was generated. The total investment was EUR 10.5 mn, according to Brenntag’s statement.

     

    Brenntag press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 30.03.2016

    TPG to sells Stake in Nexeo Solutions

    Nexeo Solutions to become publicly traded on NASDAQ

    Chemicals and plastics distributor Nexeo Solutions (The Woodlands, TX, United States) has announced that it has entered a merger agreement with WL Ross Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: WLRH), an acquisition company run by billionaire investor Wilbur Ross in a deal valued USD 1’575 mn.

    Nexeo, which had revenues of USD 3’949 mn in FY2015, will become a unit of WL Ross Holdings Corp, which intends to change its name to Nexeo Solutions Inc. and apply to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbols NXEO, NXEOU, and NXEOW.

    As part of the transaction, the previous investor TPG has plans to “roll over a substantial portion of its existing equity and retain a ca. 35% share” in the company.  The deal is expected to close in July.

     

    Nexeo press release, for more info see http://www.nexeosolutions.com/nexeo-solutions-announces-merger-agreement-with-wl-ross-holding-corp/

     

     

    HGE / DCG – 28.03.2016

    Ravago expands Chemicals in US

    TH Hilson Company sold to Ravago Chemicals

    Specialty chemicals distributor TH Hilson Company (Wheaton [Chicago], IL, United States),  has announced the sale of the company to multinational plastics and chemicals distribution group Ravago (Arendonk, Belgium).

     

    While the business will become part of Ravago Chemical, a subsidiary of Ravago Holding America, it will continue to trade under the TH Hilson Company name.

    Founded in 1973 by Terry Hilson, the company   was so far 2nd generation family owned. It serves customers in Coatings, Inks, Adhesives, Contruction Chemicals, Metalworking Lubricants, Plastics and Consumer Care. Turnover in 2014 was ca. USD 57 mn. No financial Details were disclosed on the Transaction.

     

    TH Hilson Company press release; ICIS Chemical Business (Top-100 List 2015)

     

    HGE / DCG – 09.03.2016

    Fuerst Day Lawson sold to Highlander Partners

    MBO at Fuerst Day Lawson (“FDL”) sponsored by US Private Equity Firm

    Speciality food ingredients distributor Fuerst Day Lawson Holdings Ltd.  [“FDL”] (London, United Kingdom),  has been acquired by Highlander Partners, L.P. (Dallas, TX, USA).  The financial sponsor, a middle market private investment firm, said it is working in partnership with CEO Mac Mardi, who had joined FDL in 2006, after  a career with Danisco.

    Founded in 1884 as a Trader of “niche commodities”, FDL is global provider of specialty ingredients to the Food, Beverage, Fragrance and Chemical industries, serving a global customer base. From operations in England, the United States, India and China, the company offers  a broad range of products, such as Amino Acids, Aroma Chemicals, Beverage Syrups, “Energy and Fortification Solutions, Flavorings and Colours, Honey, Juices and Juice Blends, Preservatives and Acidulants, Seeds and Grains, Sweeteners, and Sweetener Systems.  FDL also has activities in trading what it calls “specialised commodities”, such as Castor Oil, Menthol and Mint Oils.

    FDL will continue to operate under its existing operating structure with its current management team, led by CEO Mac Mardi, Highlander Partners said in a statement.

     

    No financial details were disclosed on the transaction.

     

    Highlander Partners press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 07.03.2016

    Management Change at Biesterfeld International

    Biesterfeld appoints Sergej Lazovic

    Polymers and speciality chemicals distributor Biesterfeld AG (Hamburg, Germany),  has appointed appointed Sergej Lazovic as the new Spokesperson of the Management Board of its wholly owned subsidiary Biesterfeld International GmbH. The appointment was effective 01. February 2016.

     

    Lazovic, who brings with him brings with him 20 years of international experience in marketing, trading and distribution of Chemicals, APIs and Food &  Feed Additives, is going to manage this globally active business division of the Biesterfeld Group with an annual sales of ca.  EUR 250 mn Euro alongside Frank Diercks.

     

    As well as being responsible for the overall strategic direction, he is also going to oversee the operational development of the Chemical as well as the Plant Protection and Fertilizer business segments, Biesterfeld said in a statement.

     

    Biesterfeld press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 03.03.2016

    Safic-Alcan reorganises Executive Management

    Safic-Alcan promotes Philippe Combette to CEO and Jean-Michel Guyon to General Manager

    International speciality chemicals  distributor Safic-Alcan S.A.S.   (Puteaux (Paris), France),  has communicated the reorganisation of its Executive Team, effective 01.02.2016.

     

    Philippe Combette has been appointed CEO of Safic-Alcan. In this position, he has succeeded Martial Lecat, who is going to remain CEO of Safinca, the holding of the Group. Lecat will also continue to lead the Mergers & Acquisitions initiatives of Safic-Alcan.

    Jean-Michel Guyon has been named General Manager, in addition to his current responsibilities as CFO.

     

    Since an LBO in January 2015, Management and Employees hold a majority stake in the Company, supported by minority shareholder in the form of financial investors with a long-term view: Euromezzanine, Sagard and Société Générale, the statement said.

     

    Safic-Alcan press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 26.02.2016

    Axieo acquires Quantum Chemicals

    Axieo expands by acquiring Quantum Chemicals

    Speciality chemicals distributor and masterbatch producer Axieo Pty. Ltd.  (Kew (Melbourne), VIC, Australia),  has published an announcement that it has signed an agreement to acquire Quantum Chemicals Pty. Ltd. (Melbourne, VIC, Australia).

    Supplying speciality & industrial chemicals and oils since 1987, Quantum has operations across Australia including its own state of the art logistics infrastructure in Dandenong, southeast of Melbourne, the Statement said.

     

    Axieo web-site

     

    HGE / DCG – 26.02.2016

    ICTA founded in Brussels

    International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA) to provide a global Voice for the Chemical Distribution Industry

    Associations and companies from the chemical distribution industry recently met in Brussels, Belgium to form a registered international chemical trade association on a global scale, the new International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA), which will be replacing the International Council of Chemical Trade Associations (ICCTA).

     

    Founding members of ICTA are the European Association of Chemical Distributors Fecc, the US NACD, the German and British associations VCH and CBA as well as a number of major chemical distributors. In addition to other companies, China’s CCCMC, Brazil’s Associquim, both the Mexican and Canadian associations of chemical distributors as well as further European National Distributor Associations have been invited.

     

    Besides ensuring the international exchange of good practices helping ICTA to expand in other countries and onto other continents, the task of ICTA will be to coordinate international activities that take place on a global level. Regulations that concern the handling, transport, management and security of chemicals are being discussed globally more and more – often on a United Nations (UN) level. In these cases, ICTA will speak for the chemical distribution industry worldwide. ICTA will also promote UN initiatives like the Global Compact and encourage its members to participate.

     

    ICTA was founded on 01 February 2016 at a Brussels notary, and Brussels will also be the association’s legal seat. Among those present at the ceremony were Douglas A. Brown, NACD Vice Chairman and owner of Brown Chemical Co., Inc.; Dr. Neville Prior, President of Fecc and owner of Cornelius Group plc.; Peter Steinbach, Executive Board Member of VCH; Peter Newport, Chief Executive Officer of CBA; Mathew Brainerd, NACD Chairman and Managing Director of Brainerd Chemical; Edgar E. Nordmann, shareholder and Managing Director of Nordmann, Rassmann; as well as Carsten Harms, Executive Board Member of Biesterfeld AG.

     

    Birger Kuck, a consultant for the chemical distribution industry, has been appointed as Interim Director General to coordinate the operational activities of the new organization. Administrative support will be provided by the Fecc’s Office in Brussels.

     

    Source: ICTA press release

     

    HGE / DCG – 08.02.2016

    Barentz enters JV in Iran

    Barentz International sets up JV with Future Way in Iran

    Food ingredients distributor Barentz International N.V  (Hoofddorp, The Netherlands),  has set up a Joint Venture with Future Way Holding Co. PJS. The new distribution company will focus on distributing ingredients for the Food & Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals and Animal Nutrition industries in Iran and the Middle East region.

     

    Future Way Holding is a privately held company, owned by the Sabetian family. It has trading activities in Agricultural and Food products, Steel products and other raw materials on an international scale, with 10 companies registered in North America, Europe and  the Middle East, Barentz said in a statement.

     

    Barentz website

     

    HGE / DCG – 03.02.2016