Univar strengthens its presence in Benelux and France
REDMOND, Wash./Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands – February 10, 2010 – Univar, a leading global chemical distributor, has signed an agreement to acquire the Quaron Group, a distributor of chemicals in Belgium, France and the Netherlands.
“We are pleased to announce an agreement to add the Quaron group to Univar’s widely recognized ‘best in class’ distribution, sales and marketing organization,” said John Zillmer, Univar CEO. “The combined organizations will provide Univar’s supplier partners with greater opportunities for sales growth and technical service for their customers. For our customers, the acquisition offers better product selection and enhanced value-added services from our strong logistics platform.”
Univar creates value for its customers and suppliers by complementing producers’ sales and marketing teams. The company provides technical expertise in application development, excellence in logistics support and outstanding customer service to help its partners grow their business.
“Quaron is a perfect fit for Univar,” said John van Osch, President, Univar EMEA. “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.”
“Combining Univar’s and Quaron’s activities in the Netherlands, 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.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval by the EU Commission.
About Univar
Univar is one of the world’s leading distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals. Univar represents over 2,500 chemical producers and provides its customer base, made up of 250,000 customers, with a full portfolio of products. Univar operates a network of approximately 170 distribution centres throughout North America, Europe and China. In 2008, Univar reported sales of $9.4 billion. For more information, visit: http://www.univarcorp.com.
Operating from 56 distribution locations in 20 countries across Europe, Univar’s 2,400 local employees serve more than 50,000 European customers in a diverse range of industries including coatings, food, personal care, pharma and other major sectors. To learn more about Univar Europe, please visit: http://www.univareurope.com.
About Quaron
Quaron was created in 2003. Since then its successful growth strategy has resulted in the company doubling its size.Quaron is a leading chemical distributor in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Excelling in quality, service, safety and care for the environment is Quaron's most important objective. Furthermore, Quaron exports chemical products to more than 30 countries. The main distribution centres are located in Zwijndrecht (the Netherlands), Tournai/Doornik (Belgium) and Rennes, Montereau, Cestas-Bordeaux, Niort and Lille-Haubourdin (France).
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For further information, please contact:
Karen Weber-Millstein
Director - Corporate Communications
Univar
T +1 425-889-3495
F +1 425-889-3640
M +1 206-498-7741
mailto:Karen.WeberMillstein@univarusa.com
Catherine Lennon
Communications Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa
Univar Europe
T +32 (0) 2 525 05 63
F +32 (0) 2 520 17 51
M +32 (0) 478 251 588
mailto:catherine.lennon@univareurope.com
John Regout
Quaron N.V.
T +31 75 6572737
Lesley van Zutphen
Bencis Capital Partners
T +31 20 5400945
Julian Rea
Account Manager, CitySavvy PR
T + 44 207 395 1000
M + 44 7825 66 3000
mailto:julian@citysavvy.com |