Univar Inc. recently announced it has signed an agreement to acquire leading Turkish chemical distributor Eral-Protek. The deal is expected to close in February. Istanbul-based Eral-Protek distributes a range of products, including a number of exclusive lines, and has a strong focus on specialty chemicals, which aligns with Univar’s own specialty chemical offering.

Turkey is an important market for Univar; its population of more than 77 million people and its strong economic growth present significant opportunities for the business. It is also an important logistical and cultural bridge between Univar’s European activity and its growing Middle Eastern and African business.

Once the deal has been completed, Univar says it will focus on introducing new suppliers, products and services to this market, particularly in the coatings, personal care, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Eral-Protek is a very impressive company with a great reputation in the market,” said John van Osch, president of Univar Europe, Middle East and Africa. “It has strong competencies in a variety of areas and works closely with customers to provide support and solve technical problems, very much in line with our approach at Univar.”

“The chemical distribution sector in Turkey is very fragmented, leaving a clear opportunity for a distributor with truly international reach,” said Ömer Aral, founder of Eral-Protek. “The business we have built in Turkey over the last 25 years will provide a very strong platform for Univar to expand its operation into the region. Their international capabilities and good standing in the market will create a very compelling proposition for customers across many sectors.”

For additional details, visit www.eral-protek.com or www.univareurope.com.