Azelis strengthens its position in the Moroccan food market with the acquisition of Distralim

Azelis is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% ownership of Distralim S.A.R.L. (“Distralim”). Distralim is a distributor of food ingredients in Morocco. The company is based in Casablanca and employs 21 employees, who will all be joining the Azelis team. With the combination of Distralim, Azelis will acquire one of the most successful food speciality chemicals distributors in Morocco.

Distralim is a well-respected player in the local market and has strong and long standing relationships with its principals and customers. The company covers the main food application markets, such as ingredients for confectionery, biscuits and ice cream as well as several non-food segments.

Benoit Fritz, Azelis Regional Managing Director France and Africa, comments on the deal: “We are enthusiastic about this acquisition and the opportunities it brings to Azelis. Morocco, with its population of approximately 35 million inhabitants and strategic location, is an attractive country to grow our business and to further expand into the North and West African regions. The mandates and product offering of Distralim are complementary to ours and enable us to create a solid platform, well equipped for further growth.”

Hassan Charrouf, owner of Distralim, adds: “We are excited to become part of Azelis, a very service oriented and established organisation. Azelis and Distralim share the same values: we are entrepreneurial, respectful and have the ambition to support and service our principals and customers with the highest quality. We are convinced this deal will create opportunities for everyone involved.”

The acquisition of Distralim endorses the growing commitment of Azelis’ major shareholders, Apax Partners, to support global growth in speciality chemicals and food ingredients. Apax is confident that the expanded range of services and global reach provided by this acquisition, following those made during the last three years, will bring significant benefits to customers and principals of the combined group.

The transaction is expected to close in the course of the next three months.