Twenty years of successful expansion

Azelis acquires the majority shares of ROCSA Colombia S.A., a renowned specialty chemical distributor active in both life sciences and industrial chemical markets in South America. The acquisition represents a strategic expansion of the group’s footprint, reinforcing its platform to execute its growth strategy in the region.

ROCSA is one of the leading specialty chemical distributors in Colombia, with a rapidly-growing presence in Peru and Central America. It is active in the life sciences market, primarily in Food & Nutrition, Personal Care, and Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, as well as in industrial chemicals, with a strong presence in CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers) and Plastic Additives. With over 130 employees, including a strong and experienced sales force and logistics team, the company serves 1,900+ customers from its headquarters in Colombia and four other offices across the region.

Azelis expands presence in India with the acquisition of Chemo India and Unipharm Laboratories’ distribution assets. Both companies are renowned local distributors of specialty chemicals and ingredients for the CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers), L&MWF (lubricants & metalworking fluids) and pharmaceutical market segments in India. The acquisition strengthens the Group’s industrial chemicals portfolio and its footprint in the pharmaceutical market, further reinforcing Azelis’ lateral value chain (LVC) for these market segments. The transaction represents a solid fit with the Group’s growth ambitions in India, as well as its wider strategic vision for the Asia Pacific region.

Azelis acquires a majority stake in Catalite Co., Ltd. (“Catalite”), a well-established distributor of specialty chemicals in the Personal Care and Home Care market segments, as well as industrial formulators, intermediates and coatings, in Thailand. The acquisition reinforces the Group’s footprint in the Life Sciences market, and complements its Industrial Chemicals portfolio in the country. With an attractive portfolio of products from several key principals, Catalite serves a large, growing customer base from its site in Bangkok, providing the Group a solid platform to accelerate its growth in the domestic market, and the wider Asia Pacific region.

Azelis obtains 90% of the shares of Umongo, a market-leading lubricants and metal working fluids distributor, based in South Africa. This acquisition reinforces Azelis’ lateral value chain by expanding its product offering for the lubricants and metal working fluid end markets and  strengthens its foothold in industrial specialty chemicals in South Africa and the rest of the region. The transaction supports Azelis’ sustainability commitments by increasing the diversity of its workforce in South Africa, expanding the relationship with blue chip principals with a strong sustainability agenda and innovative bio-based oils, and strengthening its offering for an end market which ultimately reduces friction and associated energy losses.

Azelis acquires 100% of the shares of Neupert Specialities GmbH (“Neupert Specialities”) in Austria, an established distributor specializing in food and health raw materials and ingredients in the local market. This acquisition strengthens Azelis’ food and health footprint in Austria, and in the broader life sciences market in the region. Austria is an attractive and growing market for food and health ingredients in Europe and enjoys strong growth of innovative product formulations, providing Azelis with added cross-selling opportunities. Neupert Specialities specializes in products such as proteins, hydrocolloids, agar, and sugar substitutes and serves local customers through its strong relationships with renowned global ingredient suppliers.

Azelis acquires a 100% stake in WWRC (CHINA) HOLDINGS LIMITED (“WWRC China”) and FRIENDSHIP CHEMICAL COMPANY LIMITED (“Friendship Chemical”). These acquisitions will provide a strong foothold in the CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers) and R&PA (rubber and plastic additives) industrial chemicals segments, further strengthening the Group’s lateral value chain. Founded in 1990, WWRC China is a leading Chinese distributor in the CASE and R&PA market segments and, like Azelis, strives for an innovative and enhanced offering through the use of laboratories. From its five offices in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chengdu, WWRC China serves around 3,000 customers with an attractive portfolio of principals.

Azelis has successfully completed the acquisition of Quimdis, a leading French distributor of ingredients for nutraceuticals, flavors & fragrances, animal nutrition, personal care, pharma and food.
This transaction enhances Azelis’ lateral value chain by diversifying and expanding its presence in France and EMEA. It also provides Azelis in EMEA with an important foothold in the growing non-cyclical markets of flavors and fragrances, synergistic opportunities in animal nutrition, and expands its offering in nutraceuticals. Quimdis specializes in ingredients distribution and formulation development, with solid positions in the French market and with sales into more than 45 countries. It serves over 1,000 customers and c.400 suppliers.

Azelis acquires the Greater China operations of Ingredients Plus Pty. Ltd. through the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Ingredients Plus Hong Kong and its fully owned subsidiaries in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Ingredients Plus China serves a sizeable base of international, regional and indigenous local customers with an attractive portfolio of world-renowned principals along with ideation & application laboratories in Shanghai and Guangzhou that focus on formulations development. The acquisition strengthens Azelis’ product portfolio, whilst also enhancing the position of Azelis China in the personal care industry. 

Azelis acquires MH in South Korea, a reputable local distributor in the food ingredients market. Azelis’ already strong presence in the personal care market will be complemented by MH’s foothold in these new market segments. MH is a reputable local distributor of food ingredients such as gluten, starches, sweeteners, and functional food ingredients. With this acquisition, Azelis is broadening its offering in the highly attractive and expanding innovative food market of South Korea.

Azelis acquires 100% of the shares in Coseal in South Korea. Coseal is renowned for its specialist distribution, repackaging and blending of agricultural/horticultural surfactants. The acquisition of Coseal will further drive Azelis’ growth in these market segments. 

Azelis entered South Korea in 2018 with the acquisition of SammiChem Co., Ltd., which is now known as Sammi Azelis Co., Ltd. The company runs a state-of-the-art application laboratory dedicated to Personal Care. In 2021, Azelis expanded the business in South Korea by acquiring MH, a food distributor.

Azelis acquires Vigon International, a leading US specialty distributor, and manufacturer of ingredients for the flavors and fragrances market segments. Vigon International represents some of the world’s most prominent flavor and fragrance producers and ingredient manufacturers serving over 1,000 customers in these markets. Vigon International offers a comprehensive product portfolio including flavors, natural and synthetic aroma chemicals, actives, functional ingredients, and essential oils. The acquisition of Vigon will provide Azelis access to these strategic end markets and enhances Azelis’ position in the life sciences sector.

Azelis India expands its agrochemicals and home care business and its specialty chemicals footprint for industrial applications with the acquisition of Spectrum Chemicals and Nortons Exim. Following on this acquisition, Azelis will expand its technical capabilities in India by adding an agrochemicals lab to the ones that already cater to the local customer needs in CASE, personal care and food market sectors.

Azelis acquires majority shares of ASIA PRIMERA KIMIKA INC. (APKI) and PHIL-ASIATIC SUPPLY & SERVICES INC. (PSSI). The companies were established in 2007 by Mr. Mohd Kassim bin Salleh and the late Ms. Cris S. Aquino, both pioneering figures in the chemical business in Malaysia and the Philippines, respectively. The companies are reputed for their deep experience in providing technological innovation, research and integrated services in personal care, home care, paints, coatings, construction and inks, industrial chemicals and supply management.

Azelis acquires 100% of the shares of CW Pacific, Elle Bee Exports, CW Pacific Specialties and EB1 Pty Ltd (“CW Pacific”) in Australia. CW Pacific specializes in the distribution of food ingredients for the bakery and meat market as well as specialty chemicals for the horticulture market. They primarily serve the Australian market but also Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and other Pacific Islands.

Azelis has acquired a majority shareholding of MKVN CHEMICALS CO., LTD. (MKVN CO., LTD.) and VIET CHEMICALS TRADING AND SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED (VIET CHEMI CO., LTD) through their parent company Bellekimia Singapore Pte. Ltd (Bellekimia). Both companies are active in personal care, industrial chemicals, agro and food segments as well as supply chain solutions. 

Early 2021, Azelis announces that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Came Chemical Mineral and Engineering S.r.l. ("CAME”) in Italy. CAME is specialized in the distribution of chemicals for friction and sintering applications, CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomeres), and cosmetics. The friction market covers a wide variety of materials used on large scale in several industries, such as automotive, metal fabrication, machinery, and electronics.

Azelis acquires 100% of the shares of Ixom’s Bronson and Jacobs Hong Kong Ltd business and its fully owned subsidiary in Shanghai (“Bronson and Jacobs China”). Bronson and Jacobs China, specialized in the distribution of personal care ingredients and predominantly for skin care, represents many global principals, and has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The office in Guangzhou houses a personal care lab. 

Azelis publishes its very first sustainability report. There are many ways to be worldly-minded. But whenever it concerns social, ethical, environmental choices, or human rights and laws, it is always a matter of taking responsibility and acting with respect.

During the summer of 2020, Azelis has signed an agreement to acquire Orokia Israel Ltd (‘Orokia’), a specialty chemicals distributor in Israel, active in multiple market segments. Created in 2005, Orokia represents blue-chip principals and serves industries such as agrochemicals, animal nutrition, personal care, food, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. 

In the first half of 2020, Azelis has signed an agreement to acquire 100% shares of CosBond, a Chinese specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor, headquartered in Hong Kong. Cosbond is predominantly active in the personal care industry, followed by flavor & fragrance, food & nutrition and fine chemistry.

In the first half of 2020, Azelis acquired 100% of the distribution and Indent business of S. Zhaveri Pharmakem Pvt. Ltd. (“S. Zhaveri”), an Indian specialty distributor for the pharmaceutical industry. Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Mumbai, the company has a very good reputation in the pharmaceutical sector in India, serving reputable international and domestic principals.

In the first half of 2020, Azelis closed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding shares of Megafarma, a premier Mexican specialty distributor for pharma, food and veterinary industries. The integration of Megafarma will provide Azelis access to a promising market and creates a strong platform for growth in the global specialty chemicals and food ingredients distribution business.

In January 2020, Azelis completed the acquisition of Orkila. This enlarged Azelis’ footprint in Africa significantly across many market segments. 

Azelis signed an agreement with Ak-tas Dis Ticaret to acquire 100% shares of Ekin Kimya, the leading Turkish specialty chemicals distributor for pharma chemicals, food ingredients and lab chemicals. Headquartered in Istanbul, the company represents a large number of renowned world-class specialty pharmaceutical, food ingredients and lab chemicals manufacturers who have a strong strategic fit with Azelis’ principal and customer base.

"Innovation through formulation" is not just our new strapline. It’s our purpose, passion and promise to every colleague, customer and partner around the world. It’s a reminder that ideas and expertise can change lives. That a world of discoveries still awaits. And that with open and collaborative minds, the future is ours to imagine.

Azelis finalised the acquisition of Deafarma, Italy to strengthen activities in the EMEA pharmaceutical market.

In March, Azelis acquired Chemroy from Canada to build its position across many market segments in the Americas.

Azelis acquired Euroconsultant (Red Arrow), a Polish distributor of flavours, shelf life extenders and other products predominantly for the meat segment.

Azelis added MK Ingredients to the group to grow the Food & Health business in India.

Azelis also strengthened its technical capabilities in the Specialty Agri/Horti segment significantly by opening two labs, one in Italy and one in China. 

Apax Partners, the global private equity advisory firm, has received a binding offer and has entered into exclusive discussions to sell Azelis to the EQT VIII fund and PSP Investments.

Azelis opens three application laboratories in India. Servicing the Personal Care, Food & Health and CASE markets, Azelis can now offer the Indian market local support through formulation development, innovative concepts and technical seminars.

Azelis strengthens its position in the Moroccan food market with the acquisition of Distralim, making Azelis one of the leading food distributors in Morocco.

Azelis expands geographically into South Korea with the acquisition of SammiChem Co, leader in the personal care market. With this acquisition, Azelis establishes presence in South Korea and is now active in 12 countries across Asia Pacific region.

Azelis continues to build its position in the Nordic food market by acquiring Ingredi AB, a Swedish distributor of raw materials and ingredients for the food and health industry.

Azelis extends its presence in Ireland through the acquisition of P-K Chemicals Limited, an Irish distributor of food ingredients and chemicals, establishing a strong physical footprint in Ireland.

In January, Azelis expands in the US Personal Care market with the acquisition of Ross Organic. With this move, Azelis Americas increases their resources and commitment to these speciality growth markets in the Western US.

Azelis establishes a leading position in the Nordic food distribution market in July, with the acquisition of LCH A/S, a leading Danish distributor of food ingredients and own blends.

In July, Azelis gains a leading position in Australia and New Zealand with the acquisition of Chemcolour, leading provider of speciality chemicals and food ingredients.

September sees Azelis strengthening its presence in the Swiss market with the acquisition of Georges Walther AG.

In 2016, Azelis reached a significant milestone by opening a regional HQ in APAC. Since the opening of the office in Singapore, Azelis has grown its business in APAC significantly.

Azelis acquires Milan-based Ametech, a leading speciality chemicals distributor for agrochemical and fertiliser formulations.

3i sells Azelis to funds advised by Apax Partners, global private equity and firm.

Azelis acquires Koda Distribution Group to form Azelis Americas. Koda Distribution Group operates in the speciality chemicals distribution market across the USA and Canada. This is a very significant acquisition for Azelis, expanding the footprint across North America and at the same time opening up more opportunities across for customers and principals worldwide. 

Azelis opens Personal Care and Food application labs in Shanghai.

Azelis opens new offices in the Asia Pacific region, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

A new leadership team is appointed including Dr. Hans Joachim Muller as Group Chief Executive Officer, Martin Hollenhorst as Chief Financial Officer and Laurent Nataf as Group Chief Operating Officer.

All of the original companies and brands are fully amalgamated into one company – Azelis – serving speciality industrial sectors throughout Europe.

Finkochem d.o.o based in Serbia is acquired by Azelis to enhance the company's offering not only in Serbia but also in the adjacent countries.  This well-known company in the Serbian market services more than 300 customers from their warehouse located near Belgrade. Finkochem d.o.o. is renamed Azelis Serbia in 2011.

Azelis acquires the S&D Group Limited, a leading specialist supplier of raw materials and ingredients to the Pharma, Food, Personal Care and Performance Chemicals industries. This acquisition is strategically important as it significantly strengthens the Azelis Life Sciences business (Pharma, Food & Health and Personal Care), both in terms of portfolio coverage as well as geographic spread.

Azelis acquires YDS Chemical NV, Belgium, a distributor of speciality chemicals in the Benelux region. Azelis consults its international business directors, principal suppliers, customers, and external consultants to analyze and further improve its business and marketing approach to drive the business forward.

Joris Coppye, previously operations director at Azelis, is appointed CEO in July 2009. The establishment of a strong centralised management team based in Antwerp begins, with a mix of external and internal appointments in September 2009. A number of key functions, such as a universal human resources system, are instigated.

Azelis acquires Tara Kimya A.S. in Istanbul, opening up important new CASE markets in Turkey. Azelis launches a three-year business plan for the period 2009-2011 based on two pillars: organic growth through internal synergies, and further acquisitions.

S. Black, specialists in the UK and German Life Science sectors, has become part of the Azelis family in 2007. Azelis gained stronger representation and greatly increased technical knowledge of the Personal Care, Healthcare and Food sectors throughout Europe. When acquired, S. Black had sales of £40 million annually, was headquartered in Hertfordshire UK and employed 103 people.

Interland Chemie bv, an independent Dutch speciality chemical distributor, is acquired by Azelis.

In December 2006 Azelis agrees to a change of share ownership with the leading global finance house 3i. 3i is a leading global finance house They agree to a share of ownership in Azelis in December 2006, providing continuing funding and strategic support of the growth strategy for the group.

Azelis acquires Nordic distributor Broste. Broste was founded by Peter Broste in Copenhagen in 1915, Broste stayed with the family through four generations until it was sold to Azelis in 2005. Over the decades the company expanded its operations from Denmark to include Norway, Iceland, UK, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Latvia and China, bringing a comprehensive coverage of the Nordic region for all of Azelis main market areas.

Azelis acquires Impex Química, a renowned Iberian distributor with a focus on pharmaceuticals and veterinary industries. Impex Química is a distribution company for a wide range of chemical products across Spain and Portugal. The company extended the commercialization of raw materials for the pharmaceutical and veterinary industries to other areas such as Latin America and the Middle East. 

Azelis gains a presence in the important Benelux markets in 2004 through the acquisition of two separate companies: the former Sibeco Group and Sepulchre.

Azelis acquires the Kraemer & Martin Group, bringing established distribution businesses in Germany, Switzerland and Austria into the group. Kraemer & Martin was a chemical trading company. The organization grew by acquisition and organic development over subsequent years, taking over Bonn-based chemical trader L. Hasenmüller in 1974, acquiring the chemical wholesalers Chemikaliengroßhandlung Eva Dilg in Krefeld and Vilsmeier in 1979. 

Chance & Hunt, a former UK-based ICI company is acquired by Azelis. Chance & Hunt: the Runcorn-based chemicals distributor joined the Azelis Group in 2002, just three years after its successful demerger from ICI. The company brought expertise in coatings, polymers and additives, food ingredients, chemical industries, and nutrition, serving UK and Irish customers.

Azelis is created through the merger of Novorchem in Italy and Arnaud in France. Arnaud was founded in France in 1908 by Augustin Arnaud to supply French industrialists with raw materials. It was Augustin’s son Pierre who added the technical emphasis to form the world’s first speciality distributor as early as 1951. 

The groundwork for what we know as Azelis is laid by Dr. Hans Udo Wenzel in 1996 when he acquired the Italian distribution company Organa. In the following years, Dr. Wenzel pursues his dream of creating a large, international distribution network by acquiring Chemplast in 1998 and Novaria Chemicals and Gullio Gross in 1999.