2010 10 PR Univar to Acquire Basic Chemical ... - Univar Canada

PRESS RELEASE
Univar to Acquire Basic Chemical Solutions
REDMOND, Wash. and REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – October 12, 2010 – Univar Inc., a leading
global chemical distributor, and Basic Chemical Solutions, L.L.C. (BCS), a global distributor and
trader of commodity chemicals, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for
Univar to acquire BCS. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011, subject to
customary closing conditions.
BCS is a global distributor of a select list of basic commodities with a unique integrated
distribution model, combining bulk and mini-bulk chemical distribution with a global procurement
and trading platform. The acquisition will enhance Univar’s ability to provide value in the supply
chain between the company and chemical end-users and strengthen the company’s global
sourcing capabilities.
"We are extremely pleased to announce this combination with Basic Chemical Solutions,” said
John Zillmer, President and CEO of Univar. “Mark Byrne and his leadership team have a proven
track record and we are excited about them joining Univar. We expect this to provide
considerable benefit for our customers and suppliers.”
“Our long-standing supplier relationships, global sourcing capability and mini-bulk services
provide a perfect complement to Univar’s global operations,” said Mark Byrne, CEO of BCS. “The
combination will create synergies by providing enhanced services for our customers, better
geographical coverage and improved economies of scale.”
About Basic Chemical Solutions
Basic Chemical Solutions (BCS) is a U.S.-based global distributor and trader of commodity
chemicals. With roots dating back almost 50 years, BCS has established a worldwide
infrastructure with 29 offices in 15 countries on 4 continents, and another 46 owned or contracted
chemical terminal locations. BCS’ focus on inorganic mineral acids and bases includes some of
the most broadly used chemicals in the world such as caustic soda, bleach and sulfuric and
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hydrochloric acid. BCS’ core product line is augmented in the U.S. by the Performance Chemical
Division and internationally by the availability of a range of other chemical intermediates. In 2009,
BCS reported sales of $889 million. For more information, visit: www.basicchem.com.
About Univar
Univar is one of the world’s leading distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals. Univar
represents over 2,500 chemical producers and provides its customer base, made up of 80,000
customers, with a full portfolio of products. Univar operates a network of 179 facilities in North
America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America, with additional sales offices located
in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2009, Univar reported sales of $7.2 billion. For
more information, visit: www.univar.com.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
John Ederer
Vice President, Global Communications & Investor Relations
Univar Inc.
T +1 (425) 889-3601
M +1 (425) 894-5873
john.ederer@univarcorp.com
Craig Wien
Chief Financial Officer
Basic Chemical Solutions, L.L.C.
T +1 (650) 722-2969
cwien@basicllc.com
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