Azelis boosts its presence as specialty chemical distributor in Africa and the Middle East by buying Orkila

Azelis, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, will acquire Orkila, the top specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor throughout Africa and the Middle East.

Headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, the Orkila group runs offices in 13 countries and is active in more than 30 countries in the region, representinga large number of renowned world-class specialty chemicals and food ingredients manufacturers who have a strong strategic fit with Azelis’ principal base.

Azelis expects to complete transaction in the next four months, with over 220 employees joining the Azelis team.

Dr. Hans Joachim Müller, Azelis Chief Executive Officer & President, said in a press release issued by the company: “We are very excited that Orkila will become a part of Azelis. They are a well-established company, known in Africa and the Middle East for their high quality expertise and service. We have been impressed by Orkila’s committed management, the similarity of our business models and excellent cultural fit. We know that many of our principals are currently looking into strengthening their activities in Africa. Combining the strength of a leading regional specialty distributor with the strength of Azelis will result in an excellent and unique platform for organic growth.”

Antoine Sacy, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Orkila, said: “After almost 15 years of growing on a stand-alone basis, it is time for us to move into global waters. Joining a wellestablished global player such as Azelis will enable us not only to continue to deliver high quality products and services that our customers are accustomed to, but also to access new growth opportunities. It will enable us to continue to thrive under their ownership, securing unparalleled service to our customers, superior growth for our principals and a highly rewarding work environment for our employees. The exciting fact is that now we will be able to tap into Azelis’ strong international presence, exchange of knowledge on the global level and leverage our combined operational excellence.”