Azelis has acquired Spectrum Chemicals and Nortons Exim in India from the Mehta family on undisclosed terms. Both specialise in the distribution of speciality chemicals for home care, road markings, agrochemicals and other applications. Current owner Parindu Mehta will remain at the helm.

Azelis has acquired a majority stake in two Vietnamese firms, MKVN Chemicals and Viet Chemicals, via their parent company Bellekimia Singapore. This continues a recent spree of acquisitions and investments in Asia for the global distributor.

Both companies were founded in 2000 and have offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. They are active in personal care, industrial chemicals, agrochemicals and food, with about 700 customers. They also have personal care laboratories.

Azelis has further strengthened its Asian personal care business by acquiring Bronson and Jacobs Hong Kong and its fully owned subsidiary in Shanghai from Ixom. The deal, for which terms were not disclosed, is expected to close by the end of the year.

Bronson and Jacobs China specialises in the distribution of personal care ingredients, mainly for skin care, for various global principals. It has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the latter also including a personal care laboratory.

Azelis has extended its reach into Israel by acquiring Orkila Israel, a speciality chemicals distributor in Israel active in multiple market segments, including agrochemicals, animal nutrition, personal care, food, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Terms were not disclosed.

Azelis has concluded a new agreement with Merck KGaA, covering the distribution of Merck Performance Materials’ complete range in Vietnam for personal care, CASE, food and health, and industrial chemicals. The division’s products include pigments, active ingredients and raw materials. The two companies have been partners since 1968 and have existing distribution relationships in Europe and other regions.