Tapping into Africa’s enormous growth potential

Headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, the Orkila group has offices in 13 countries and is active in more than 30 countries in MEA the region. It also represents a large number of world-class manufacturers of speciality chemicals and food ingredients which have a strong strategic fit with Azelis’ principal base.

Orkila serves several thousand customers across Africa and the Middle East, ranging from major multinationals to smaller regional producers, all seeking speciality products that bring added value to their brands. These customers perceive Orkila as a reliable partner to achieve success in the vibrant and growing personal care and food and beverage industries.

Africa has been experiencing economic acceleration and an improved business environment, providing Azelis and its principals with an opportunity to accelerate their own growth in the region. With its growing middle class, the speciality chemicals distribution market in Africa is said to be one of the fastest growing in the world, and blue-chip raw materials producers are looking for a sizeable distributor in the region.

The acquisition brings Azelis’ innovation and formulation potential and international reach together with Orkila’s excellent reputation, strong regional presence and its expertise.

The transaction is expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2020. It entails Azelis acquiring 100 percent of Orkila and for its 220+ employees to join the Azelis team.

STRONG SYNERGIES AND BALANCED CAPABILITIES

Orkila was established in 2005 and has grown to become a leading speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor in the MEA region. It operates in multiple market segments, including pharmaceuticals, personal and home care, food, agrochemicals, animal nutrition, paint and construction, oilfield, plastic additives and water treatment. To ensure business continuity, Audrey Sacy Aris, Christophe Sacy and other senior managers of Orkila will continue to run operations going forward.

Like Azelis, the company is very focused on promoting speciality service offerings and has an application lab in Egypt, which serves both personal care and food customers. Orkila also offers accredited laboratory testing coupled with the ability to develop and introduce innovative products, create and enhance formulations and assist customers in their pursuit for growth and improved performance.

Dr Hans Joachim Müller, CEO and president of Azelis, comments: ‘We are very excited Orkila will become part of Azelis. It is a well-established company, known in Africa and the Middle East for its highquality expertise and service. We have been impressed by Orkila’s committed management, the similarity of our business models and excellent cultural fit. We know that many of our principals are currently looking to strengthen their activities in Africa. Combining the drive of a leading regional speciality distributor with the strength of Azelis will result in an excellent and unique platform for organic growth.’

Antoine Sacy, Orkila’s founder, chairman and CEO, adds: ‘After almost 15 years of growing on a stand-alone basis, it’s time for us to move into global territory. Joining a well-established international player like Azelis will enable us to continue to deliver the high-quality products and services our customers are accustomed to, while accessing new growth opportunities. The acquisition will also allow us to thrive under Azelis’ ownership, securing unparalleled service for our customers, superior growth for our principals and a highly rewarding work environment for our employees. Another exciting advantage is we will be able to tap into Azelis’ strong international presence and global knowledge exchange while leveraging our combined operational excellence.’