Global group swoops for specialist chemicals distributor

Leeds-headquartered specialist chemicals distributor, Prime Surfactants Ltd, has been acquired by global group Brenntag.

Law firm Addleshaw Goddard (AG) and corporate finance adviser Sentio Partners advised the founders of Prime Surfactants for this deal.

Germany-based Brenntag is a global market leader in chemicals and ingredients distribution. It also has a UK base in Leeds.

Prime Surfactants supplies specialty surfactants for the personal care and household, industrial and institutional (HI&I) industries, as well as other industry segments in the UK.

Founded in 2011, its portfolio includes a range of sustainable products and it had sales of around £22m in the most recent financial year.

AG’s corporate team advising on the deal was led by Richard Hunt and Caera Loughran, supported by Shannon Hardcastle.

Providing lead advisory services to the founders, Sentio Partners’ team was led by Andrew Barlow and Andy Miller.

Loughran said: “We are pleased to have worked with the founders of Prime Surfactants on this transaction, which is a reflection of the hard work they have put in over more than a decade to build such a high quality business.

“They have established themselves as a leading player in this highly competitive market in the UK and this deal will see the business go from strength-to-strength.”

Barlow, of Sentio Partners, added: “The strategic fit of Prime Surfactants for Brenntag was clear from the outset, and we look forward to seeing Prime continue to thrive within the enlarged group.

“It was a pleasure to have advised the shareholders of Prime – the sale represents fitting reward for the founders having built a quality business, with significant potential for further growth.”