The company will become part of Univar’s existing operations in Brazil. Ninety-year old Univar has distribution facilities in South America, North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific as well as sales offices in other regions globally.
Last year Univar held the top market position in the US and Canada with $10.3bn in net sales. Perhaps this purchase is a move to gain the top spot in South America too: “We are confident that the opportunity of combining D'Altomare with Univar will offer new potential not only for our customers, but also our suppliers and employees," said Nita Zoppetti, major shareholder of D'Altomare.
Historical acquisitions
Univar is a company long-known for its acquisitions and mergers. In the 1990s, Univar launched its European business by acquiring four chemical distribution companies already operating there. And it was when Unviar bought McArthur Chemical in the 70s that the company became a major player in the Canadian market.
Business in the Americas
In September, Univar signed with Evonik to distribute that company’s ingredients for skin, hair and body care products in the North East.
“Univar’s solutions for the personal care industry include a global perspective on market trends, formulations and best-in-class distribution alternatives to connect customers with the products, technologies and information they need to be successful in their market space,” explained Cosmetics Design at the time.
Business as usual
In a letter to its customers D'Altomare Química explained that to ease the transition, business will proceed as usual with no changes to product names, labels, pricing or product safety data. Sales teams, their contact details, and ordering processes will also continue unchanged.