UpdateEPCA '08: Brenntag buys Rhodia’s Asia arm

30 September 2008 17:12  [Source: ICIS news]

(Releads and adds detail throughout)

 

MONTE CARLO (ICIS news)--German chemicals distributor Brenntag has purchased Rhodia’s Asia-Pacific specialty chemicals distribution business, it said on Tuesday.

 

The deal gives Brenntag access to fast-growing distribution markets in Australia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the company said on the sidelines of the European Petrochemical Association (EPCA) meeting.

 

No financial details were disclosed of the partnership agreement.

 

Brenntag would also become French chemical group Rhodia’s exclusive distribution partner, supplying a broad range of chemicals - including adhesives, coatings, elastomers, sealants - to industries related to personal care, food, animal feed and electronics.

 

Rhodia’s Asia-Pacific distribution network achieved total sales of $400m in 2007, including commission sales, and had 180 employees of which 115 were in technical sales and marketing functions, Brenntag said.

 

“This transaction provides Brenntag with instant access to extensive experience in the Asian-Pacific marketplace,” said company CEO Stephen Clark.

 

The company had funds for acquisitions despite the global financial crisis, said the firm’s European CEO Steve Holland.

 

"When BC Partners acquired us two years ago acquisition funds were planned in,” he said.

 

Brenntag has been in an acquisitive mood recently. So far this year it had purchased Ukrainian distributor Dipol, Yara's Benelux and Nordic distribution business and Benelux specialty chemicals distributor CM Schmidt.

 

The four-day EPCA conference ends on Tuesday.  

 

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By: Will Beacham
+44 20 8652 3214

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