Brenntag enters southeast Asia

Brenntag enters southeast… Brenntag enters the Asia Pacific region and substantially extends its global distribution network.

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 enters the Asia Pacific region and substantially extends its global distribution network. This step is part of Brenntag`s strategy to provide a platform for future growth as a full-line chemical distributor in the rapidly expanding Asian economies.

With 180 employees, of which 115 are in technical sales and marketing functions, and locations covering nine countries, Brenntag gains access to an established base for expanding its own product portfolio, combined with excellent local market knowledge, a wide range of services and long term customer relationships.

As an exclusive partner of Rhodia and various other principals in the respective countries, Brenntag will supply a broad portfolio of specialty chemicals into fast growing industries ranging from personal care, food, feed to electronics and ACES.

Brenntag CEO Stephen R. Clark: - This transaction provides Brenntag with instant access to extensive experience in the Asian Pacific marketplace and a well-established network of technical experts throughout the region, combined with deep knowledge of the markets, key contacts and regional cultures. At the end of the day, it`s all about strengthening our relationships with our customers and suppliers by further enhancing the capabilities which we can offer to them.

- 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 - commented Rhodia Asia Pacific President Michel Ybert.

Brenntag recorded global 2007 sales of EUR 6.7 billion (USD 9.1 billion). The company operates in excess of 300 locations with more than 11,000 people in 55 countries. In keeping with the company`s strong position in world markets, Brenntag is committed to providing value to its customers and suppliers through superior supply chain logistics, single sourcing, technical assistance and other value added services. Brenntag offers an unrivalled, extensive and state-of-the-art distribution network for industrial and specialty chemicals to its suppliers and customers alike throughout the world.

Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers` performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,000 people worldwide and generated sales of EUR 4.8 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

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