News bulletin – chemical distribution

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.

“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

STOCKMEIER BIGGER IN BELGIUM

Innochem, the Belgian subsidiary of Stockmeier Group, has acquired the business of the Netherlands-based specialty chemicals distributor XS Chemicals, headquartered in Utrecht. Stockmeier says the deal will give it access to a global supplier partner to help it reach all its target markets in Europe and is the “next milestone on our way to becoming a specialty distributor”.

Jan Smeets and Dirck Seidel, managing directors of Innochem, comment: “With this acquisition, we are strategically expanding our portfolio for the polymerisation chemicals, printing inks, adhesives, and paints and coatings industries. With Bas Gaillard and Hans Dieter Lütje, we also welcome two proven specialists in the product areas of acrylate monomers, crosslinkers, inhibitors and initiators to our ranks.” www.stockmeier.com

BARENTZ BUYS IN MEXICO

Barentz International has acquired certain assets of Mexican distributor Chemcel, which provides specialty ingredients for the local pharmaceutical and nutrition markets. The operation will continue to be led by Julio Rendon from its base in Mexico City. For Barentz, the deal strengthens its existing presence in Latin America and establishes a growth platform within Mexico’s life science markets. It also gives Barentz access to an in-house laboratory and technical services team.

“Mexico has long represented a strategic market for Barentz and Chemcel represented the ideal fit with our commercial strategy and entrepreneurial culture,” says Hidde van der Wal, Barentz CEO. “The team has worked hard to establish Chemcel as a leader in the Mexican excipient market and we are honoured that its owners, Raul de la Parra and Julio Rendon, entrusted Barentz to continue building upon that success as Barentz Mexico.” www.barentz.com

TILLEY TAKES OVER

Tilley Company, a leading specialty chemicals distributor in the north-east US owned by SK Capital Partners, has completed a merger with Phoenix Aromas and Essential Oils, a global distributor of flavour and fragrance ingredients. The merger creates a world-class supplier of high-quality ingredients to better serve new and existing customers, Tilley says.

“Phoenix brings a high level of expertise to the flavour and fragrance markets by employing highly technical laboratory services and rigorous quality control measures. These high-touch services, when combined with reliable supply chain planning and strong supplier relationships, make the combined company a best-in-class source for specialty ingredients,” says Sean Tilley, COO and president of Tilley.

“Looking forward, Tilley-Phoenix Group plans to continue its pursuit of selective M&A focused largely on specialty products sold into regulated markets. We continue to focus on expanding the value-added platform, seeking targeted opportunities to enhance the value, quality and breadth of solutions we bring to both customers and suppliers,” adds Randy Dearth, senior director at SK Capital.

That pursuit has already reeled in one acquisition, with Tilley-Phoenix buying Callahan Chemical, a leading regional supplier and distributor in the specialty chemicals, ingredients and CASE sectors.

“We are extremely pleased to complete the acquisition of Callahan Chemical, believing it represents a highly complementary business with shared values and vision as a specialtyfocused distributor supported by a strong value-added service foundation,” says Jean-Paul Benveniste, president/CEO of Tilley-Phoenix.

The addition of Callahan to Tilley-Phoenix provides customers with state-of-the-art regulatory and technical support, broader logistics expertise, and an enhanced product offering of value-added ingredients for applications in regulated markets. “Callahan, like Tilley-Phoenix, brings a strong valueadded approach to serving its suppliers and customers. The acquisition enhances the platform’s geographic reach, which is particularly compelling for our shared supplier base,” says Sean Tilley. www.tilleycompany.com