With subsidiaries in Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia, Polychem supplies raw materials and additives for the paints and coatings industry, as well as raw materials, additives and machinery for composite manufacturing. “Besides broadening our global network of technical centers. by establishing the first laboratory in this region, it provides us the opportunity for further regional development in SEE emerging markets,” said Johann Milchram, managing director of IMCD Southeast Europe.

IMCD’s acquisition of Polychem, which posted revenues of about €25 million in 2020 and has 65 employees, is expected to close during the current first quarter, subject to regulatory approval. On the other side of the world, the takeover of RPL Trading is due to complete during January. The company with 15 employees and revenues of about €16 million in fiscal 2021 (Jun. 30) has five offices in Australia, including the main one in Melbourne, and another in Auckland, New Zealand.

RPL Trading operates in the water treatment, agricultural, automotive, home care, personal care, construction, food ingredients and paints and coatings markets. The acquisition brings an “excellent and highly complementary” portfolio of suppliers, products, and customers to IMCD,” said IMCD Australia & New Zealand’s managing director Martin Stoemmer.

“With this acquisition,” Stoemmer said, “we can now accelerate our growth strategy in the home care and water treatment markets. The focus on the formulation and value-added products at RPL Trading, combined with excellent technical expertise, is well aligned with our strategy.” 

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist