Oleon expands into South America with acquisition of A. Azevedo Óleos
Oleon, a global leader in natural-based oleochemicals and a subsidiary of Avril, has announced its expansion into South America with the acquisition of a majority stake in the Brazilian company A. Azevedo Óleos. Specialising in castor oil and its derivatives, A. Azevedo Óleos marks a strategic move for Oleon as it seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the rapidly growing South American market, particularly in Brazil.
“This acquisition is a pivotal moment for Oleon’s expansion into South America,” said Moussa Naciri, CEO of Oleon. “With our strong presence in Europe and Asia, as well as our recent investment in the U.S., it was crucial to strengthen our foothold in the Brazilian market, where we see long-term growth potential, especially in the fields of lubricants and personal care.”
The acquisition of A. Azevedo Óleos aligns with Oleon’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and strengthens its global presence. The Brazilian company, founded in 1965, has built a strong reputation in the extraction, industrialisation, and commercialisation of multi-seed oleochemicals, with castor oil being its primary focus. Andrés Morales, a member of the founding family of A.Azevedo Óleos, will remain with the company and continue serving as its CEO.
Strengthening global presence
The acquisition allows Oleon to leverage A. Azevedo Óleos’ expertise and well-established presence in Brazil. Oleon plans to integrate A. Azevedo’s operations into its global network, which includes production sites in Europe, Asia, and the United States. This strategic move enables Oleon to serve global customers more effectively while expanding its portfolio to include high-end castor oil derivatives made from sustainable raw materials.
Jean-Philippe Puig, CEO of Avril, also emphasised the importance of this acquisition for the broader group: “By diversifying our geographies, this operation fulfils one of the priorities of Avril’s new strategic plan, ‘Ambition 2030’. By integrating A.Azevedo Óleos into our global operations, we reinforce our commitment to sustainable agriculture and renewable, bio-based solutions.”
Commitment to sustainable development
Oleon’s acquisition aligns with its long-standing commitment to sustainability. A.Azevedo Óleos has long worked with local farmers to ensure sustainable castor seed farming practices, a key source of income for communities in Bahia, Brazil. This local sourcing strategy supports Oleon’s broader goals of fostering environmental responsibility while promoting the economic well-being of rural communities.
By acquiring A.Azevedo Óleos, Oleon aims to enhance its ability to cultivate key raw materials locally, contributing to the company’s overarching mission to promote sustainable industrial practices. This acquisition not only strengthens Oleon’s position in the oleochemical market but also bolsters its ability to deliver renewable, bio-based solutions to multiple industries.
About Oleon
Founded in 1881 and headquartered in Belgium, Oleon transforms vegetable oils and animal fats into a wide range of sustainable oleochemicals, including fatty acids, glycerin, and esters. With 1,200 employees and seven production sites globally, Oleon continues to drive innovation with a clear focus on sustainability.
About A. Azevedo Óleos
Founded in 1965, A. Azevedo Óleos is a family-owned Brazilian company that specialises in the extraction and commercialisation of castor oil and other oleochemicals. It employs 250 people and operates out of its main plant in Itupeva, with headquarters and a distribution centre in São Paulo.
