Peter Fields
Azelis has completed its geographic coverage plans for Central and Eastern Europe with the establishment of a local company in Russia, Azelis Rus.
Russia has a population of 140 million people and, whilst rich in natural minerals, it is a country that lacks the raw materials for manufacturing industry which is working to satisfy unprecedented levels of consumer demand.
This high growth market represents a significant business opportunity for producers of Performance Chemicals and Life Science products. And the fact that the distribution market in Russia is undeveloped and not well organized by Western standards, presents Azelis with an attractive opportunity to establish itself as the preferred partner providing efficient and reliable access to a largely untapped market.
Azelis Rus, with offices in Moscow and warehousing facilities nearby, will provide all the necessary services – sales, logistics, administration and IT. A managing director, Victor Evdokimov, has been appointed to develop the business and the goal is to achieve sales of €15 million by the end of 2008. Victor brings a wealth of chemical industry experience and previously worked for a major chemicals producer. He will be instrumental in growing the Azelis Performance Chemicals business into the Coatings, Chemicals and Plastics sectors. The Life Sciences side of the business – Food and Personal Care - will also be developed.
Michel Dubois is the Azelis Executive member with overall responsibility for the Russian business. He said: “We are resolute that Azelis Rus will offer Principals the same levels of service that are expected in Europe – technical development and support for customers, a focused marketing strategy, market intelligence and good communication links.”
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For further information contact:
Dianne Nott Tel +44 (0)1925 267557 Mob +44 (0)7860 272754
dmn@clear-communications.co.uk
Editors notes:
- Azelis is the leading European distributor of specialty chemicals, polymers and related services.
- It was formed in 2001 and has pursued a ‘growth by acquisition strategy’, purchasing small/medium specialty distributors, whilst at the same time developing organic growth through the identification of synergies among member companies.
- The Azelis Group achieved sales of €1.1 billion in 2007 and employs 1100 people.
- The Azelis Group currently comprises 36 companies, operates in 26 European countries and has offices in Shanghai, Mumbai and Moscow. It offers international chemical producers access to many specialised market segments. Its international business units focus on providing products and specialist technical services into the Food & Health, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, Animal Nutrition, Plastics, Composites, Rubber, Coatings and Chemical Industries.