Azelis Group to Acquire KODA Distribution

Azelis Group agrees to acquire KODA Distribution Group

Azelis Group (Azelis) and KODA Distribution Group (KDG) announce today, that Azelis has signed a

binding agreement to acquire US-based KDG, significantly enhancing its position as a leading global

specialty chemicals distributor. The transaction remains subject to regulatory clearances and is

expected to be finalised by the end of 2015.

This major acquisition by Azelis demonstrates its strong commitment to specialty chemicals and

technical service, and its continued objective to grow this segment whilst adding value to its

partners.

KDG will become known as Azelis Americas, led by Frank Bergonzi, CEO and President of KDG who

will assume the role as CEO and President of Azelis Americas and will become a member of the

Azelis Board of Directors. Azelis Americas will continue to operate in the USA and Canada, using its

existing business model and go-to-market strategy. It will maintain its regional brands and specialty

chemicals sales to customers via industry verticals, and through dedicated experts.

This move is seen as extremely positive by both sides with numerous opportunities to better serve

customers and principals worldwide.

Frank Bergonzi, CEO and President of KDG commented, “Being part of the Azelis Group will

provide a strong platform for increased growth and widespread benefits of being part of a global

organisation with a regional focus. This agreement will allow us to be closer to our principals and

engage with them on a global level, helping to facilitate new opportunities for our future

development. It was of prime importance to find a forward thinking, dynamic partner that would

enhance our reputation and commitment to providing unparalleled customer service via technical

expertise, application laboratories and extensive market knowledge. The Azelis approach to the

specialty chemicals market aligns extremely well with the KDG model. This partnership allows our

management, staff and approach to customers and suppliers to remain unchanged.”

Hans Joachim Müller, CEO Azelis commented, “The specialty chemicals market in North America

is extremely important and the trend of suppliers moving their smaller accounts to specialty

chemical distributors will continue for some time. As we got to know the team at KDG, it became

clear that they share our values and we believe that they are an excellent partner to expand our

business into the USA and build on our existing business in Canada. Our product portfolios are

extremely complementary and demonstrate many synergies with principals, which is a paramount

consideration in any acquisition. We are excited to welcome KDG to the Azelis Group.”

Both companies have shown strong performances during 2015. KDG has demonstrated extensive

growth both organically, and fuelled by recent acquisitions into new markets. Investment in

laboratory facilities, new products and customer-facing employees over the last three years is

helping to drive Azelis’ year on year growth of more than 10% in Europe and more than 15% in Asia

Pacific.