Univar Solutions Expands Portfolio with Brad-Chem Holdings Acquisition

Univar Solutions LLC has recently announced the acquisition of Brad-Chem Holdings, a prominent UK-based company specializing in corrosion control products and lubricant additives. This strategic move aims to enhance Univar’s ability to meet growing customer demands across Europe for innovative solutions in the lubrication and metalworking fluids markets.

The Acquisition Details

By acquiring Brad-Chem and its affiliates, which includes the Belgian joint venture Brad-Kem with DEM, Univar Solutions is poised to significantly broaden its existing portfolio in raw materials and specialty chemicals. This acquisition is particularly focused on advancing their capabilities in the distribution and blending of specialty lubricant additives, special bases, and functional ingredients tailored for various industrial sectors.

Chris Brady, the Managing Director of Brad-Chem, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are excited to be part of Univar Solutions’ world-class organization." This sentiment was echoed by Matthew Oliver, Univar’s Global Vice President of Performance Materials, who emphasized how the acquisition provides an exciting opportunity to cater to increasing demands for specialty base stocks that assist customers in formulating high-performance products aimed at reducing energy consumption, prolonging service life, and enhancing corrosion management.

Enhancing European Operations

Univar's acquisition of Brad-Chem is more than just a business transaction; it marks a significant milestone in their ambition to strengthen support across Europe. Nick Powell, President of Global Ingredients Specialties at Univar Solutions, highlighted the importance of this acquisition by stating, "This acquisition progresses our ambitious goals to enhance the support we provide to customers in Europe, by offering a larger portfolio of specialty products and additive blending capabilities."

Brad-Chem is known for its expertise in distributing and blending specialized lubricant additives, corrosion inhibitors, solid lubricants, and other products that cater to metal treatment, cleaning, de-icing, and water treatment applications across more than 40 countries in Europe. This addition to Univar’s offerings enhances their capabilities in various markets, including Lubricants, and the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers (CASE) sectors.

Commitment to Innovation and Customer Satisfaction

Both companies share a commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and innovation. The merger signifies a union of organizations with outstanding reputations and market expertise that will undoubtedly benefit their clients and suppliers alike. The technical know-how and customer service strengths of Brad-Chem, combined with Univar’s extensive global distribution network, are expected to yield significant advantages for clients in the specialty chemicals field.

Matthew Oliver further remarked on the alignment of goals between the two entities, asserting that the merger supports Univar’s ongoing commitment to expanding its product solutions in markets that prioritize performance with sustainability considerations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this acquisition not only broadens the product and service offerings of Univar Solutions but is also a vital step towards amplifying their market presence in Europe. By integrating Brad-Chem’s specialty additives and expertise, Univar positions itself as a comprehensive supplier capable of meeting the evolving needs of its extensive consumer base. Both companies look forward to leveraging their combined strengths to foster innovation and drive mutual growth in the specialty chemicals sector, underscoring the critical importance of performance-enhancing products in today's industrial landscape.