Azelis strengthens EMEA industrial chemicals footprint with WhitChem acquisition

ANTWERP, Belgium—Belgian chemical distributor Azelis Holding S.A. will acquire 100 percent of Whitfield Chemical Group Ltd.

Based in Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, Whitfield is the parent company of WhitChem, a "well-regarded" distributor focused on CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) and rubber and plastic additives, according to a March 16 news release.

"This acquisition reinforces Azelis' position in industrial chemicals, and specifically in the CASE and R&PA market segments in the (United Kingdom)," Azelis said.

"WhitChem's long-standing relationships with blue-chip principals and product portfolio strengthen Azelis' lateral value chain in the U.K., whilst their wide customer base and strong local technical sales team further expands the Group's product offering and customer reach."

WhitChem has 30 employees and generates most of its sales in the U.K., with some exports to Ireland.

WhitChem management will stay and support the integration into Azelis following the deal's closing, Azelis said.

Anna Bertona, CEO and President Azelis EMEA, said the company is "thrilled" to welcome WhitChem.

"(WhitChem's) exemplary expertise, strong relationships and a diverse customer base complement the organic growth of Azelis, while at the same time providing a valuable addition for our lateral value chain for this growing market," she said, noting its "strong growth prospects."

Charles Haelwy, managing director at WhitChem, said the company looks forward to joining Azelis by "combining our talents" and "leveraging our synergies."

"We see many cross-selling opportunities with our complementary product portfolios," Haelwy said, adding that CASE and R&PA are markets in which WhitChem has seen "significant growth."

"…We are eager to expand our product offering and innovative services to the combined customer base," he added. "Together we form a great cultural fit and we will continue working on adding value and creating continued growth."

Azelis operates in over 50 countries with more than 3,000 employees and with a turnover of more than $3 billion (€2.8 billion).