Univar further strengthens Turkish presence
Acquires Istanbul-based distributor Eral-Protek
Global chemical distributor Univar has acquired Turkey’s Eral-Protek in a deal expected to close in February. The Istanbul-based company is a leading player in the region’s mid-size chemical distribution sector and the acquisition together with the Istanbul and Izmir operations of Basic Chemical Solutions LLC, whose global business was purchased by Univar in December, looks set to provide Univar with a solid local presence in the region.
According to Univar, Turkey’s growing population and economy present significant business opportunities, while the region also acts as an important logistical and cultural bridge between its European activity and growing Middle Eastern and African business.
Once the deal has been completed, Univar will focus on introducing new suppliers, products and services to this market to feed selected sectors including personal care.
“Eral-Protek is a very impressive company with a great reputation in the market. It has strong competencies in a variety of areas and works closely with customers to provide support and solve technical problems, very much in line with our approach at Univar,” comments president of Univar Europe, Middle East and Africa, John van Osch. “It is also very rigorous in terms of best practice and corporate governance, which will facilitate integration into Univar.”
Ömer Aral, founder of Eral-Protek adds: “The chemical distribution sector in Turkey is very fragmented, leaving a clear opportunity for a distributor with a truly international reach. The business we have built in Turkey over the last 25 years will provide a very strong platform for Univar to expand its operation into the region.”
