34
NEWS BULLETIN
CHEMICAL DISTRIBUTION
BM ON THE UP
The Bodo Möller Chemie Group has recorded a 40 per cent increase in revenues in 2021, despite shortages of raw materials and “enormous” price increases for certain products. “This development impressively confirms our strategy to link the distribution of technologically leading products of well-known manufacturers with extensive in-house expertise for their application and use,” says Frank Haug, chairman of the board. “In addition, we have our own products, which we produce in our own locations. We are very thankful that in spite of the problematic global situation, which is also related to the Covid-19 pandemic, we were able to achieve this growth.” Bodo Möller Chemie has intensified its collaboration with Henkel, expanding its distribution relationship to cover materials used for processing electronic and electrical components. This provides a focus on emerging technologies in e-mobility and 5G applications. “With this intensification, we are in the position to already keep expanding our very wide product range for the electro and electronics sector and we offer our customers completely new solutions for state-of-the-art electrical applications,” Haug says.”Henkel is one of our long-standing partners from the industry, and our customers benefit from our know-how for the entire electrical engineering product portfolio.” bm-chemie.com OQEMA KEEN ON SLOVENIA
Oqema has acquired Alpkem, a specialist distributor of inorganic chemicals, based in Kranj, Slovenia, that was founded in 1991. The acquisition provides Oqema with additional warehousing capacity to meet its long-term strategic targets and strengthens its presence in south-eastern Europe. Alpkem’s portfolio also complements Oqema’s existing operations in Slovenia, the company says.
HCB MONTHLY | MARCH 2022
“As a supplier of inorganic products with a focus on laboratory chemistry, Alpkem has also made a name for itself in waste management and makes an effective contribution to the circular economy,” says Marko Strazisar, manager of Oqema Slovenia. “This is a great addition to our existing business in this region and a step towards one more sustainable future.” oqema.com THAI MOVE FOR AZELIS
Azelis has acquired a majority stake in Thailand-based Catalite, an established distributor of specialty chemicals in the local personal care and home care markets (above). The acquisition will reinforce Azelis’ footprint in the life sciences market, complementing its existing industrial chemicals portfolio in Thailand. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter, after which CEO Udomlak Kootiratrakarn and CCO Vaivit Arkaresvimun will continue to lead the business. “We are pleased to embark on this new chapter in our company’s history with Azelis,”
Kootiratrakarn says. “Becoming part of a renowned international player will be beneficial for our company, customers and principals, with numerous opportunities for growth, and great synergies for both companies. Combining our strengths with Azelis’ will give us access to other reputable principals, further reinforce our technical expertise and formulation development, and enable us to better serve our customers.” Laurent Nataf, CEO/president of Azelis Asia Pacific, adds: “A strengthened presence in Thailand deepens our coverage in Asia Pacific, which is one of the strategic priorities for the Group. Principals benefit from Azelis’ wider platform in this high-growth region, while customers benefit from Catalite’s and Azelis’ complementary portfolio of products, and combined ability to provide innovative solutions and best-in-class services. This transaction is aligned with Azelis’ strategy to complement organic growth with strategic value enhancing acquisitions.” www.azelis.com
