ChemCentral, established in 1926, is a privately held company headquartered near Chicago. Based on 2006 consolidated revenues of $1.4 billion and EBITDA of approximately $70 million, the company is one of the largest industrial chemicals distributors in the U.S., with trading relationships in more than 60 countries.
ChemCentral is a major distributor of both specialty and commodity chemicals and has distribution centers located throughout the US, and selected sites in Mexico, Canada, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean, with joint ventures in China, Southeast Asia/South Pacific, India, and the Middle East. Its sales are derived primarily from its North America operations, with over 90% of 2006 revenues attributable to its US business. ChemCentral operates 45 stocking locations and 4 regional centers in North America, with another 25 international warehouse locations, and has approximately 1000 employees.
John Bolanos, vice president, Professional Products & Services (PP&S), Univar USA, told PCT that while the acquisition will not directly impact the company’s PP&S business, Univar as a whole will be strengthened. “ChemCentral is certainly a highly respected chemical industry distributor that brings added expertise and sales volume to the organization,” Bolanos said. “This acquisition is consistent with Univar’s strategy for targeted, aggressive growth and market leadership.”
John Yanney, president and CEO of ChemCentral, said, “This is a smart, strategic acquisition by Univar that delivers attractive value to ChemCentral’s shareholders. The union of our companies also will bring important benefits for our customers and suppliers, as well as create new professional opportunities for many ChemCentral employees in a larger organization with a culture similar to our own. As our industry becomes increasingly global, merging with Univar provides exciting prospects for continued growth and development in important markets around the world.”