Azelis agrees to acquire S&D Group

However, S&D Group firms, involved in the pharmaceutical finished dosage (S&D Pharma), chemical synthesis and laboratory supply markets (Chemgo) as well as part of its personal care actives business (S&D Chesham GmbH and ProTec Ingredia), are not included in the acquisition and will retain their original ownership.

The acquisition of S&D Group is expected to strengthen the Azelis Life Science business (Pharma, Food & Health and Personal Care), both in terms of portfolio coverage as well as geographic spread.

Azelis group CEO Joris Coppye said S&D will give Azelis a leading position in Personal Care and Pharma in the CEE region, including the CIS countries.

"Furthermore the acquisition will support the consolidation of our Indian distribution business (mainly Chemicals and Plastic Polymers) with the addition of Life Science activities," Coppye said.

"In China we will be able to complement our existing sourcing operations with distribution activities. Last but not least the acquisition of S&D is an important step change towards globalization through the access to new markets such as Canada, Australia, Middle East and Africa."

S&D Group co-founder and owner Peter Straus said Azelis is a company with a dynamic reputation in the market and is therefore the best platform to expand the operations of S&D in speciality chemical distribution.

"Once the amalgamation has been completed, the joint organizations will ensure a strategic position across Europe, create synergies and expand their distribution network for the benefit of suppliers and customers," Straus said.

The completion of the acquisition is subject to cartel clearance and is expected to close within the first quarter.