Brenntag, a global distributor of chemicals and ingredients, has signed an agreement to acquire Airedale Group, a company based in Keighley, North Yorkshire, UK. The planned transaction covers an entity operating as a distributor of chemicals and a provider of value-added services, with extensive capabilities in chemical blending and formulation. The acquisition is intended to strengthen Brenntag's operational network in the United Kingdom and expand the range of products and services offered to customers from various industries, including sectors relevant to the plastics industry, such as chemical additives and metal surface treatment agents.
The integration of Airedale Group into Brenntag's structures is expected to provide customers with a broader product portfolio and more comprehensive service, based on a regional supply chain infrastructure and the group's global reach. Once the acquisition is completed, customers of both companies will gain access to combined service and technological capabilities, including specialist blends and chemical formulations used, among others, in plastics processing, packaging production and industrial applications requiring precise material specifications. The transaction is consistent with the strategy of consolidating the chemical distribution market and developing a wider range of value-added services.
Scope of the transaction and expected benefits
The signed agreement provides for the acquisition of Airedale Group by Brenntag after the fulfilment of standard closing conditions, including the receipt of required third-party approvals. From a market perspective, this means the combination of product portfolios and competences of two entities active in chemical distribution. Airedale contributes expertise in blending and formulation, as well as an established customer and supplier base in the UK.
The company indicates that the acquisition will increase the availability of blending and formulation services, which may be important for industrial customers seeking tailored chemical solutions, including manufacturers of plastics and plastic products. Expanded formulation capabilities facilitate the adjustment of material properties, for example through the appropriate selection of additives, auxiliaries or components for surface treatment. The combined logistics and warehousing networks of both companies are also expected to improve supply reliability and flexibility in order handling.
Russel Argo, president of Brenntag Essentials EMEA, commented: "The team at Airedale has built an exceptional business and we are pleased to welcome them to Brenntag. Together, following completion, we will build on their strong customer and supply partner relationships, and expand the value-added services that set them apart."
Airedale Group profile and development directions
Airedale Group was founded in 1973 as a small dye trader. In subsequent decades, the company evolved into a diversified distributor of chemicals, growing through steady expansion and product diversification. In parallel, it invested in new technologies and additional operational capabilities, including in blending and formulation, and expanded its activities through targeted acquisitions.
The expansion covered various sectors, including food and beverage and metal surface treatment. These areas are also relevant to the value chain of the plastics industry, where auxiliary chemicals, additives and surface preparation agents play an important role in production processes and in packaging manufacturing. In 2024, Airedale Group generated annual revenues of GBP 81 million, which illustrates the scale of the company's operations on the UK market.
Chris Chadwick, executive chairman of Airedale Group, emphasises the continuation of the existing development strategy within the new ownership structure: "Our plans for expansion and diversification have always been ambitious, and, through several generations, we have built a strong supplier and customer base. With this step we will be joining a truly global player in chemical distribution, unlocking synergies for growth we can now capitalise on. I am very excited to join Brenntag in what will be a new chapter for our team, customers, and supply partners."
Closing conditions and next steps
Brenntag is not disclosing the financial details of the deal. The closing of the acquisition of Airedale Group is subject to the fulfilment of typical conditions, including the receipt of certain third-party approvals. The transaction is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2026. Until then, the parties will continue their current operations while preparing for the integration of systems, product portfolios and organisational structures.
Following completion of the acquisition, Brenntag plans to leverage its global reach and regional supply chain infrastructure to further develop its offering in the United Kingdom. The combined organisation is expected to provide customers with more comprehensive technical and logistics support, including in areas related to the use of chemicals in the plastics industry, packaging and other industrial sectors that rely on specialised chemical raw materials.
