Commenting on the deal, Oqema chief financial officer Hartmut Kunz said: “This acquisition is beneficial to us in many ways, not only by expanding our presence in Ireland, but also through our strategic focus on the food and pharmaceutical industries. Casoria becomes a platform for our broad product range.”

Declan Young, Casoria’s founder, described Oqema as the “perfect partner” to further develop its business, with the German firm’s knowledge, expertise and geographical reach complementing and enhancing its offering to the market.

Casoria’s management will remain in place post-acquisition, and the company is joining  Oqema’s Western Hub, which includes the German group’s existing Irish-based businesses.  The Mönchengladbach-based company added that it continues to pursue a European strategy with the addition of Casoria helping to complete its presence in the region and providing a platform for further growth.

In March this year, Oqema took over Spain’s Proquibasa, a chemical distributor focused on markets such as coatings, construction and adhesives, industrial cleaning, textile and water treatment, food, feed and pharma.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist