IMCD acquires European specialties distributor

31-Aug-2018 - Last updated on 30-Aug-2018 at 21:29 GMT

Netherlands-based IMCD has confirmed that it has acquired speciality chemicals distributor Volex, as part of its strategy to expand its own distribution footprint in Europe.

The company signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares in Velox, a group of companies that is headquartered in Germany.

It has an extensive commercial network across Europe and its long-standing, and has expertise in the areas of plastics, composites and other specialty markets, complimenting IMCD existing portfolio.

Established in 1993, Velox currently employs 225 people across 18 countries and generated revenues of Euros 155 million, and an EBITDA of Euros 5.4 million in 2017.

"This acquisition enables IMCD to further strengthen its position as distributor of speciality plastics and additives. Our portfolios very well complement each other, and we expect to be able to create more value for our suppliers and customers," said Piet van der Slikke, CEO of IMCD.

Expansion in North America

The company has also been expanding in the Americas in recent years, having confirmed in August of 2017 that it is set to acquire the Canadian distributor Lomas.

The two companies are both present in the ingredients and specialty chemicals areas, which means that IMCD will be able to significantly expand its footprint in both the Canadian and US markets.

IMCD acquired the business because it is an “excellent fit” with its own business model, with the benefits and synergies expected to have an immediate positive effect on the company’s bottom line.

IMCD builds on personal care operations

Earlier in 2017, the company also announced that it had opened a laboratory equipped to deliver formulations, testing and more to clients in the US, as part of plans to expand in the region.

IMCD opened what is the company’s 30th facility in its “network of global laboratories and technical centres of excellence,” as the specialty chemical company told Cosmetics Design by email, at the time of the transaction.

The new IMCD lab is up and running in Miami, Florida. At a ceremony celebrating the new facility, Marcus Jordan, president of IMCD US Holdings remarked, “IMCD is delighted to launch its first application laboratory in the United States.”