US firm swoops for Rochdale hygiene products specialist

QUAT-Chem, the Rochdale-based hygiene products specialist, has been acquired by Nasdaq-listed Neogen Corporation, in a deal advised on by Brabners and DTE.

With 20-years’ experience in nitrogen-based chemistry, Quat-Chem is an internationally recognised supplier of the widely used biocidal active, benzalkonium chloride and amine oxide.

It provides industrial hygiene solutions to the agriculture, dairy farming, food processing and healthcare sectors, and has a substantial presence in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, South East Asia and the Far East.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Michigan, it has expanded internationally and now employs more than 1,000 people across the world.
 
Dr Rubinah Chowdhary, Quat-Chem’s scientific director, said: “Quat-Chem’s product development activities and its manufacturing capabilities in Europe provide a complementary fit to Neogen’s strategy of expanding its biosecurity business.

“The importance of biosecurity is internationally recognised as critical to safe-guarding livestock health and food safety. The demand for safe, performance-tested disinfection products offers considerable potential, with Neogen’s expertise in biosecurity and its global reach, we feel Quat-Chem and its products are in good hands.”

Jason Lilly, Neogen’s vice president of corporate development, added: “Quat-Chem’s broad line of products, chemical manufacturing facilities, personnel and existing business made the company an attractive acquisition opportunity for Neogen. We’re very pleased to announce that Quat-Chem has joined Neogen, and this acquisition is another step in Neogen becoming the global biosecurity product leader.”

Brabners corporate partner Tony Harper team advising on the deal. He said: “Quat Chem is an international success story, now exporting to 88 countries, and the business’ strong and sustained growth over the past few years ensures it’s well-positioned for future development in the group.”

Business advisory firm DTE provided corporate finance advice to the shareholders.

Andy Humphrey, director at DTE, added: “Many months of hard work, by all parties, has led to a successful transaction. In particular, the long-term strategy of the shareholders has delivered a perfect platform to allow Neogen to continue to increase its global footprint.”