Brenntag has opened a new 90,000 m² facility in Zarate, Argentina, and simultaneously presented the renovation and expansion of its facilities in Nova Esperança in Brazil.

The Zarate site includes 500 m2 of offices, 2,000 m² of warehouses, approximately 1,250 m² of tank capacity, three tank truck unloading spaces, two drumming stations, a mix and blending building, and sustainable energy sources to operate the site. It will support both of Brenntag’s Specialties and Essentials businesses.

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.

Brenntag has entered the Israeli market by acquiring distributor Y.S. Ashkenazi Agencies and its subsidiary Biochem Trading. The firm is the said to be the national market leader in personal care, and food and nutrition as well as one of the largest speciality chemical distributors. Terms were not disclosed and the deal has already been completed.

Distributor IMCD has agreed to acquire Megasetia Agung Kimia, which it said “provides a significant platform for further growth in the life science segments in Indonesia”. This will take place in two tranches, with 70% being bought now and the rest in 2025. Closing is expected in December.

UK distributors hit by driver shortage The Chemical Business Association (CBA), which represents chemical distributors and logistics services providers in the UK, has again highlighted the chronic shortage of HGV drivers since Brexit. This, they said in a letter to the Secretaries of State for Transport and Business “has reached a critical point for the UK chemical supply chain”.

Barcelona-based Grupo Indukern has agreed to sell its chemical business, Indukern, to the Ravago Group, subject to regulatory approval. The group said that it had received several offers for the business. Terms were not disclosed.

Based in Luxembourg, family-owned Ravago is mainly a recycler of plastics and rubber but is also active in the coatings, adhesives, sealants & elastomers (CASE), life sciences and care markets. It has operations in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. 

Netherlands-based Barentz International, which is mainly a distributor of life science ingredients, has agreed to acquire Maroon Group of the US in a deal that will create a global force in the life science and broader specialty chemical industries. It has also acquired Singapore-based personal care product distributor Nardev. Financial terms were not disclosed in either transaction.