Headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, Metachem is regarded as one of the country’s main distributors of chemicals for the industrial materials, paints and adhesives markets. It also has a presence in the life science sector.

Barentz said the acquisition strengthens its overall position in South America and will accelerate its future growth in the region.

Hidde van der Wal, Barentz CEO, commented: “The expertise, combined with Metachem's portfolio, will strengthen our already consolidated offer in the Brazilian market. This presents new opportunities in the South American region, mainly focused on the performance materials segment and further connects our South American and North American markets.”

Tovani Benzaquen, also headquartered in São Paulo, has been a part of Barentz International since 2018. Both are active in all segments of the Brazilian life sciences and performance materials industries.

Last year, the joint venture partners bought two other Brazilian distributors, namely Volp Indústria e Comércio in August and Grasse Aromas e Ingredientes in February. Volp is located in Osasco, São Paulo and serves the personal care segment, while Grasse Aromas is headquartered in Diadema, São Paulo and supplies flavor and nutrition ingredients for the food, beverage and consumer health markets.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist