Rhodia ties up with Brenntag to sell specialty chemicals, engineering plastics in Asia-Pacific

01 October 2008

Mumbai: Rhodia, a leader in specialty chemicals and engineering plastics, has entered into a partnership with Brenntag German distributor of specialty and industrial chemicals, for distribution of its products in markets covering Southeast Asia, India, Australia and Taiwan.

The agreement, signed today, includes the transfer of Rhodia's distribution network in this zone with 180 employees to Brenntag.

With the transfer of Rhodia's chemical distribution operations in Australia, India, Taiwan and the ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, Brenntag will substantially extend its global distribution network.

Brenntag will supply a broad portfolio of specialty chemicals into fast growing industries ranging from personal care, food, feed to electronics and ACES.

''This partnership with Brenntag, a leader in chemical distribution, brings new perspectives for efficiency and the expansion of Rhodia's activities in this region. It will also allow us to improve the quality of our service to our customers and to focus on the profitable growth strategy followed by our businesses that hold leading positions in the dynamic Asian market,'' said Rhodia Asia Pacific president Michel Ybert.

''This transaction provides Brenntag with instant access to extensive experience in the Asian Pacific market place and a well-established network of technical experts throughout the region, combined with deep knowledge of the markets, key contacts and regional cultures,'' said Brenntag CEO Stephen R Clark.