Azelis acquires Ametech, a leading speciality chemical supplier for agrochemical and fertiliser formulations

Azelis, a leading global speciality chemicals supplier, announces today that it has agreed to acquire 100% of Milan-based Ametech, a leading distributor for a complementary product basket of speciality chemicals for agrochemical and fertiliser formulations, feed and veterinary, polymerisation in emulsion, industrial applications and other markets.

With its Italian, French and Spanish operations, Ametech is a market leader in agrochemicals for the distribution of adjuvants and surfactants and employs around 30 employees who will all become part of the Azelis Group. The company has grown substantially in recent years as a result of product range and regional expansion. With its EMEA coverage, Ametech serves mainly small and medium sized formulators, which account for 30% of the total market. Representing and promoting a number of leading and innovative producers of speciality additives, Ametech’s portfolio fits extremely well with the Azelis strategy and current portfolio.

Dr Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis CEO, comments: “The acquisition of Ametech will allow Azelis to expand into this high performing sub-sector within the agricultural industry, a key market, in which we have had limited presence in the past. Ametech’s strong track record in product innovation and formulation, which has enabled them to grow faster than the market, perfectly complements our focus on the technical knowledge, laboratory formulation and application support to our customers.”

Mr Ambrogio Erba, Managing Director of Ametech, adds: “Further growth through product and territory expansion will keep our strong opportunity pipeline going. Becoming part of Azelis will enable us to utilise their growing global presence so that we can focus more on development and innovation. We now have a chance to expand that know-how into new territories, which is very exciting for us.” Mr Erba will become Market Segment Director for Specialty Agri/Horti business at Azelis.

In addition to its core business of crop protection, Ametech is also active in the following markets, among others: metal working & cleaning, textiles, monomers for emulsion polymerisation, and homecare.

The deal with Ametech demonstrates the commitment of funds advised by Apax Partners, the major shareholders in Azelis, to support its global growth in the speciality chemicals segment. Apax is confident that the expanded range of services and global reach provided by this acquisition, following  that of US-based Koda Distribution Group in December last year, will bring significant benefits to customers of the combined Group.