Univar expands Benelux business

Specialist chemicals distributor Univar expects its acquisition of Quaron’s business in Belgium and the Netherlands to be completed in the first week of January 2011.

Specialist chemicals distributor Univar expects its acquisition of Quaron’s business in Belgium and the Netherlands, which was approved by the European Commission on 16 July, to be completed in the first week of January 2011.

Quaron, a chemical distributor with 5,000 customers in more than 30 countries, has capabilities including laboratories, blending tanks, bulk and warehouse storage in the Benelux region. The company’s main distribution centres in the region are in Zwijndrecht (the Netherlands) and Tournai/Doornik (Belgium).

Univar said the deal would support its ambitious growth plans in the EMEA region and that Quaron’s Benelux business was an ‘excellent fit’. The integration of the business into Univar will now be a top priority.

‘Culturally and strategically Univar and the Benelux business of Quaron are a great match, and we expect to see significant benefits for suppliers and customers of both companies,’ said John van Osch, president, Univar