Azelis closes deal for KDG acquisition

21 December 2015

Azelis Group (Azelis) and KODA Distribution Group (KDG) announce that the deal to acquire US-based KDG, is complete and has now closed following regulatory clearance, effective December 17th. 

As of today, KDG is Azelis Americas and is led by Frank Bergonzi, CEO and President of Azelis Americas, and a member of the Azelis Board of Directors. Frank Bergonzi reports to Hans Joachim Müller, CEO Azelis Group. 

Azelis Americas will continue to operate in the USA and Canada using its existing business model and go-to-market strategy. Its renowned local brands will be maintained and co-branded with the Azelis visual identity, thereby emphasizing its local focus on absolute customer service, now backed by a global structure. Specialty markets are also aligned across the Group.  

Frank Bergonzi said, “We are delighted to be part of Azelis. As our teams have gotten to know each other over the last weeks, it has been clear that we have similar cultures. We definitely have aligned business philosophy, centered around technical service and focus our efforts on specialty chemicals and ingredients. We share a common goal: to better serve our customers and principals at a global, regional and local level. Since the deal was announced, we learned that many of our principals have indicated they are interested in growing with us. A key attribute is our ability to access the smaller customer base via skilled sales teams with in-depth technical knowledge and market expertise.”

Hans Joachim Müller said,” Although we are now a much larger organisation with a better balanced geographical footprint, the overarching rationale of the acquisition was the revenue synergies that exist between KDG and Azelis, which we aim to exploit. Going forward we will be focusing on generating fast–paced organic growth by extending our lateral value chain offering to the specific markets we serve. Moreover we also will selectively pursue acquisition opportunities to complement our portfolio. We are now well positioned in North America and in Europe and have built a sizeable and fast growing presence in Asia. We will continue to expand and invest for future profitable growth, as we become a truly global player in specialty chemicals.”

In total the new company will have over 30 application laboratories worldwide covering Food & Health, Personal Care, Pharma, Homecare & Industrial Cleaning and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers). In-house chemists and technologists help customers to develop innovative products, enhance product improvements and showcase our principals’ products using novel applications. This service in supporting customer’s needs in specialty chemicals remains the cornerstone of the enhanced Azelis Group.

Contact information

Azelis
Gillian Berry
Head of Corporate Communications
T: +44 (0)1992 825555
E: gillian.berry@azelis.com

Azelis Americas
Terry Mullin
Marketing Manager
T: +1 917 609 0331
E: terry.mullin@azelisamericas.com

About Azelis
Azelis is the leading global speciality chemicals distributor providing a diverse range of innovative products and services. Dedicated teams serve customers in the following industries: Personal Care, Pharma, Food & Health, Animal Nutrition, Specialty Agri/Horti, Homecare & Industrial Cleaning, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers) Chemical Industries, Lubricants & Metal Working Fluids, Rubber & Plastic Additives.  

Through sourcing and distribution channels in every major market around the world, Azelis with its corporate service centre in Antwerp, Belgium, offers chemical producers market penetration, in-depth local knowledge, value-added services and tailored multi-territory solutions. Azelis has a turnover of c.a. €1.5 billion and employs around 1,500 knowledgeable people located in more than 45 facilities in more than 35 countries across the USA, Canada, Europe, China, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Morocco. For more information please visit: www.azelis.com

About Azelis Americas
Azelis Americas (formerly KODA Distribution Group) is a leader in specialty chemical distribution in the US and Canada. Azelis Americas is organized around industry sectors in the following focus markets: CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers), Specialty Ag/Horticulture, Personal Care, Homecare & Industrial Cleaning,  Pharma, Chemical Industries, Rubber and Plastic Additives, Lubricants and Metalworking Fluids. Azelis Americas will continue to operate in the USA and Canada using its existing business model and go-to-market strategy. Its renowned local brands will be maintained and co-branded with the Azelis visual identity, thereby emphasizing its local focus on absolute customer service, now backed by a global structure.

Azelis Americas is headquartered in Westport, CT.   www.azelisamericas.com
Azelis Americas is part of the Azelis Group based in Antwerp, Belgium.