Following reports by Bloomberg, it has been confirmed that Brenntag and Univar Solutions have held preliminary discussions regarding a potential acquisition. Neither company has commented further beyond stressing that discussions are at an early stage and there is no certainty of completion.

The deal, if completed, would be Brenntag’s largest ever and would bring together the world’s largest and second largest chemical distributors. Brenntag and Univar had sales of €14.4 billion and $9.5 billion respectively last year.