Azelis acquires Australian specialty chemical distributor

Azelis, a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Chemiplas Agencies Ltd, one of the leading distributors of specialty chemicals, plastic raw materials and ingredients in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Chemiplas is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

The acquisition significantly expands Azelis’ footprint and accelerates its growth in Asia Pacific. The addition of Chemiplas’ portfolio of products from key principals strategically complements the group’s lateral value chain, strengthening market coverage and formulation expertise. This allows the group to provide even more innovative solutions to customers, thereby reinforcing its position in Australia and New Zealand.

The transaction is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2023, after fulfillment of customary closing conditions.

Founded in 1976, Chemiplas’ strong network is supported by long-standing partnerships with more than 200 global, regional and local strategic principals. Chemiplas employs more than 100 staff, including an experienced and dedicated sales team, serving a substantial customer base of more than 1,900 companies from its headquarters in Auckland and six other offices across Australia and New Zealand.  

Following the sale, Chemiplas will continue to operate as a separate entity for some time to ensure a smooth transition. All staff, including the current executive directors, will remain with the business in their current roles.

“This acquisition is another illustration of our strong commitment to continued growth in the Asia Pacific region, and is an important milestone in our strategic vision of becoming a market leader in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition of Chemiplas provides Azelis with a broader, more comprehensive lateral value chain, an experienced team with a shared vision, and a stronger regional presence across key market segments,” said Dr. Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis chief executive officer.

“With a shared philosophy of creating solutions through innovation, together our combined businesses will yield numerous opportunities for growth and even better support for our staff, principals and other stakeholders with additional innovative solutions. Partnering with a global leader will provide an enhanced portfolio offering for our customers, and opportunities to further develop the technical capabilities and opportunities for our Chemiplas team. Our common goal of providing solutions and an unrelenting customer focus with best-in-class services will ensure the success of our partnership, with an exciting future ahead,” said Duncan Leigh, Chemiplas executive director.