Brenntag acquires UK distributor Lawrence Industries

Essen, Germany - Chemicals and ingredients distributor Brenntag on 3 April announced the acquisition of Lawrence Industries Ltd. an independent specialties distributor in the UK.

The deal, it said, “strengthens the company’s position within material science and across the coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers (case), construction, polymer and rubber industries.

The acquisition will strengthen offerings in the UK and Ireland and is “perfectly in line” with Brenntag’s strategy in material science, said Lars Schneider, global president Brenntag specialties material science.

Brenntag Specialties has previously disclosed that it is aiming to expand its material science footprint through strategic acquisitions.

Lawrence Industries, Schneider added, has ‘highly capable and outstanding team, long-established regional presence, strong speciality portfolio and experienced technical set-up.’

Founded more than 50 years ago, Lawrence Industries is based in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

The supplies additives, minerals and catalysts to a diverse range of markets across the UK and Ireland.

The businesses generated sales of approximately £30 million (€35 million) in 2023.

For Lawrence Industries, the merger will provide “international reach”, which according to managing director Charles Henn-Allen is “an important next step” for the UK distributor.

The transaction will also grant access to Brenntag’s ‘innovation & application centre network’, enabling value-added service to customers, Henn-Allen added.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed and the signing and closing of the transaction took place simultaneously.