Leading international chemical distributor Brenntag has acquired Philchem of Houston, Texas.

The US firm specializes in managing individual supply and demand imbalances in selected product groups.

"We expect global supply chain flows to shift as a result of the shale gas developments in North America," said Markus Klähn, CEO of Brenntag North America. "Brenntag's customers and suppliers will increasingly benefit from Philchem's capability to manage individual supply and demand situations."

With the help of Philchem, which reported annual sales of $162 million in 2013, Klähn said Brenntag will be better equipped to predictably move products and to ensure reliable suply.