Azelis acquires a specialty chemical distributor in Australia

Azelis, a global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% of the shares of Chemiplas Agencies Ltd, one of the leading distributors of specialty chemicals, plastic raw materials and ingredients in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The acquisition significantly expands Azelis’ footprint and accelerates its growth in Asia Pacific. The addition of Chemiplas’ portfolio of products allows Azelis to provide even more innovative solutions to customers, thereby reinforcing its position in Australia and New Zealand. In 2021, Azelis extended its tentacles to Africa by acquiring a 90% stake of Umongo Petroleum; a lubricants and metal working fluids distributor, based in South Africa.

Dr. Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis Chief Executive Officer, said: “This acquisition is another illustration of our strong commitment to continued growth in the Asia Pacific region, and is an important milestone in our strategic vision of becoming a market leader in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition of Chemiplas provides Azelis with a broader, more comprehensive lateral value chain, an experienced team with a shared vision, and a stronger regional presence across key market segments. Customers and principals will benefit from the enhanced solutions offered thanks to our collective innovation capabilities and complementary product portfolio.”

Duncan Leigh, Chemiplas Executive Director, added: “With a shared philosophy of creating solutions through innovation, together our combined businesses will yield numerous opportunities for growth and even better support for our staff, principals and other stakeholders with additional innovative solutions. Partnering with a global leader will provide an enhanced portfolio offering for our customers, and opportunities to further develop the technical capabilities and opportunities for our Chemiplas team. Our common goal of providing solutions and an unrelenting customer focus with best-in-class services will ensure the success of our partnership, with an exciting future ahead.”

Chemiplas’ management team and employees will become part of the Azelis family, supporting the business and integration process. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2023, after fulfilment of customary closing conditions.

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Auckland Australia, Chemiplas’ network is supported by long-standing partnerships with over 200 global, regional and local principals to serve a substantial customer base of over 1,900 companies.