Univar to acquire chemical distributor Quaron
Quaron distributes chemicals to a wide variety of industries, including cosmetics and personal care, in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
“Combining Univar’s and Quaron’s activities in the Netherland’s, Belgium and France is a logical fit in this market. The expected synergies will mean even better service to customers,” said John Regout, CEO of Quaron.
Strengthening position in Benelux region
The acquisition, which is subject to approval by the EU commission, is expected to strengthen Univar’s position in the markets which Quaron serves, and lead to further growth opportunities.
Catherine Lennon, Univar communications manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said that cosmetics and personal care is one of the key focus markets for the company in France and the Benelux countries
Quaron was described as a ‘perfect fit’ for Univar by company president for the EMEA regions, John van Osch.
“Its efficient commodity network complements our industry focused product ranges in Benelux and France, and its site in the Netherlands will create new business and operational opportunities for us,” he said in a statement.
Future growth plans
This acquisition is the latest in expansion efforts by Univar, which, during recent years has acquired US-based Chemcentral Corporation, built a personal care laboratory in Brussels, and expanded in France and Slovakia.
Over the next few years, the company is planning to continue with its growth strategy, according to Lennon.
“We are planning a rapid expansion of our EMEA operations over the next five years with anticipated sales growth coming from a mixture of acquisitions-led growth and greenfield developments,” she told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
