REDMOND, Washingon, December 20, 2010 – Univar Inc., a leading global chemical distributor, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Basic Chemical Solutions, L.L.C. (BCS), a global distributor and trader of commodity chemicals. Concurrent with the close of the acquisition, Mark Byrne, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCS, was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Univar. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Univar and BCS bring together complementary strengths that will deliver enhanced value for customers, suppliers, and employees worldwide. Univar provides a broad product portfolio, a global distribution network, and industry expertise in a wide variety of end-markets. BCS focuses on some of the most broadly used chemicals in the world and provides a unique integrated distribution model, combining bulk and mini-bulk chemical distribution with a global procurement and trading platform.
"This has been a tremendous year for Univar, culminating with the acquisition of BCS,” said John Zillmer, President and CEO of Univar. “Heading into 2011, Univar is very well positioned with our expanded global distribution network, enhanced global sourcing capabilities, and unique value-added services. I am very pleased that Mark Byrne has joined the executive team, as his experience and leadership will ensure a seamless transition for BCS and help us to deliver enhanced value for customers and suppliers worldwide.”
“We are very excited about the opportunity to combine our two great businesses and the significant synergies that can be created,” said Mark Byrne, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Univar. “We are committed to a seamless transition for all of our employees and business partners as we form a solid foundation for one company, building on the respective strengths of both Univar and BCS.”
About Univar
Univar is one of the world’s leading distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals. Univar represents over 2,500 chemical producers and provides its customer base, made up of 80,000 customers, with a full portfolio of products. Univar operates a network of 179 facilities in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America, with additional sales offices located in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2009, Univar reported sales of $7.2 billion.
About Basic Chemical Solutions
Basic Chemical Solutions (BCS) is a U.S.-based global distributor and trader of commodity chemicals. With roots dating back almost 50 years, BCS has established a worldwide infrastructure with 29 offices in 15 countries on 4 continents, and another 46 owned or contracted chemical terminal locations. BCS’ focus on inorganic mineral acids and bases includes some of the most broadly used chemicals in the world such as caustic soda, bleach and sulfuric and hydrochloric acid. BCS’ core product line is augmented in the U.S. by the Performance Chemical Division and internationally by the availability of a range of other chemical intermediates. In 2009, BCS reported sales of $889 million.
