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.
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