In its constituent meeting on June 10, the Supervisory Board of Brenntag AG unanimously elected Doreen Nowotne (47) as its new Chairperson. Nowotne will be taking over from Stefan Zuschke (57), who has chaired the Supervisory Board since March 2010 and who resigned at his own request from Brenntag AG’s Supervisory Board as of the end of the General Shareholders’ Meeting earlier today.

On being elected Supervisory Board Chairperson, Doreen Nowotne stated: “I would like to thank my fellow Board members for the confidence that was shown towards me and look forward to this new challenge. At the same time and on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Stefan Zuschke for all that he has done for Brenntag. He supported the Board of Management with prudence and commitment and played a key role in the very successful development of the company, from Brenntag's IPO in 2010 to its current position as global market leader in chemical distribution.”

Stefan Zuschke also commented: “I would like to congratulate Doreen Nowotne on her election as Supervisory Board Chairperson. Particularly under the current challenging circumstances, the company has demonstrated its solid position and fundamental strength. >Project Brenntag<, which was initiated by our new CEO Christian Kohlpaintner, also points in the right direction. This is a good time to pass on responsibility to a new Supervisory Board Chairperson.” Supervisory Board members Stefanie Berlinger, Dr. Andreas Rittstieg and Doreen Nowotne were re-elected by a large majority, while Richard Ridinger was elected to the Supervisory Board for the first time.

In addition, shareholders at the General Shareholders’ Meeting resolved to convert Brenntag AG to the legal form SE (Societas Europaea, meaning European company). The corresponding agenda item was passed with 99.87 percent of the voting capital in attendance in favor. Brenntag sees the SE legal form as fitting best with its modern corporate culture. People from more than 100 nations work at Brenntag, around 90 percent outside Germany. The conversion stands for the global outlook and identity of the Brenntag Group. By converting to the SE legal form, the company will be able to continue its targeted growth and the successfully established corporate governance structure in its dualistic management system (Supervisory Board and Board of Management). The conversion will take effect with the entry in the commercial register, which is scheduled for the second half of the year.

The actions of the Board of Management members were ratified by 99.8 percent of the voting capital in attendance and those of the Supervisory Board members by 96.37 percent. The General Shareholders’ Meeting also approved the proposal to pay out a dividend of €1.25 per share.

The Brenntag Food & Nutrition business unit in North America, part of the Brenntag Group, announces a new collaboration with Axiom Foods for the distribution of plant proteins in the United States and Canada. Axiom Foods is committed to providing clean label, dietary inclusive ingredients for the food, beverage, nutraceutical and specialty foods industries. The comprehensive ingredient line includes hemp, pea, pumpkin, rice and sacha inchi proteins, oat and rice dairy-replacement powders, and Axiom’s newly launched texturized pea proteins. These products include:

• Aven-O-Lait^®
• Cannatein^® Plus 68%
• Cucurbotein^® 59% and 65%
• Incatein^™ 60%
• Oryzatein^® Original 80%, Silk 80%, Ultra 80%, Silk 90%, and SG-BN 75%
• Oryz-O-Lait^™
• Veg-O-Tein™ HP 80%, MA 80%, N 80%, P 80%, and P 85%
• Veg-O-Tein™ TX 75%, 80%

"We are pleased to announce our new collaboration with Axiom Foods. Axiom's product line is an exciting addition to our product portfolio as it helps meet the growing demand for meat and dairy alternatives," said Larry Davis, Vice President Brenntag Food & Nutrition North America. "We continue our service excellence commitment to customers by strategically expanding our product lines to satisfy current and future trends. Our customers will greatly benefit from the combination of Axiom’s plant-based proteins and our dedicated sales and technical teams. We look forward to assisting and supporting innovative product development.”

The ingredients can be used as plant proteins for sports nutrition, beverages and meat replacement or blended extender, as well as plant-based dairy alternatives. Some benefits include an increased juiciness, increased protein levels, decrease in costs, a smooth mouthfeel, and a clean, allergen friendly label.

“Our plant-based ingredient innovation and quality control teams are excited to work with Brenntag Food & Nutrition almost worldwide, now that these key markets are on board,” shared David Janow, CEO and Founder of Axiom Foods. “With new, highly functional Oryzatein^® Rice Proteins just entering the pipeline along with other unique vegan dairy substitutes, combined with Brenntag’s food and beverage science support, the solutions for manufacturers are infinite."

• Gross profit* rose to 631.8 million EUR (+7.7% as reported)
• Operating EBITDA** up by 4.9% on the previous year to 201.6 million EUR
• Positive business performance marked by strong growth in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions and a stabilizing trend in North America
• Profit after tax stood at 94.7 million EUR and earnings per share rose to 0.61 EUR

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, continued to grow in the first quarter of 2017, achieving a strong increase in its key performance indicator gross profit* in particular. The successful performance was due to further solid growth in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific regions, plus the fact that demand in North America stabilized as expected. These positive developments more than offset the declines in earnings in Latin America, where the situation in several countries remained difficult.

Brenntag generated sales of 2,973.3 million EUR in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of 15.2% on the prior-year period (+12.8% on a constant currency basis). The Group’s key performance indicator gross profit showed strong growth, rising by 7.7% year on year (5.5% on a constant currency basis) to 631.8 million EUR. Operating EBITDA reached 201.6 million EUR, a rise of 4.9% compared with the prior-year quarter (+2.5% on a constant currency basis).

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 66.0 million EUR to 94.7 million EUR in the first quarter of 2017. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.61 EUR.

At 25.7 million EUR in the first quarter of 2017, free cash flow was below prior-year period (131.2 million EUR). This is due mainly to the increase in working capital normally seen as prices increase on the chemical market in particular. Actually, at the same time we were able to improve working capital turnover slightly.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “Brenntag had a good start to 2017. We saw encouraging trends in the first quarter, with further growth in our EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. In addition, demand in North America improved slightly as expected and Brenntag therefore posted a rise in operating gross profit here, too. In our smallest region, Latin America, the situation in several countries remained difficult, but this was only of limited significance for the Group.”

EMEA posts further earnings growth

In a macroeconomic environment still marked by only moderate expansion, Brenntag EMEA continued to grow in the first quarter of 2017. Operating gross profit was up by 4.3% on the prior-year figure (+5.1% on a constant currency basis) to 279.0 million EUR. Operating EBITDA climbed to 95.8 million EUR, a rise of 8.5% (+9.1% on a constant currency basis). This encouraging earnings growth is due in particular to a very positive, broad-based trend in a number of European countries.

Improved macroeconomic environment in North America as expected

The macroeconomic environment in North America was more benign in the first quarter of 2017, with industrial production showing slight growth for the first time in five quarters. As expected, demand from customers in the oil and gas industry also stabilized. These slightly improved conditions were reflected in operating gross profit: this rose by 11.6% (+7.5% on a constant currency basis) to 272.5 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 4.7% on the prior-year quarter (+1.0% on a constant currency basis) to 88.6 million EUR.

Situation in Latin America remains volatile

The smallest Brenntag region faced a persistently difficult economic environment, with demand still weak in several Latin American markets. This had a corresponding impact on the results of Brenntag Latin America: operating gross profit was up by 0.2% on the prior-year figure (-9.0% on a constant currency basis) to 43.7 million EUR. The region posted operating EBITDA of 9.2 million EUR, a decline of 25.8% on the previous year (-34.3% on a constant currency basis).

Asia Pacific makes a good start to the year

Brenntag Asia Pacific sustained its encouraging performance into the first quarter of 2017, posting further earnings growth. Operating gross profit rose by 15.3% (+12.1% on a constant currency basis) to 48.3 million EUR. Operating EBITDA amounted to 17.0 million EUR, a rise of 14.1% (11.1% on a constant currency basis). Both the existing operations and the businesses acquired in 2016 contributed to the growth.

Growth still forecast for 2017 as a whole

In light of the first-quarter results and macroeconomic developments in the regions, Brenntag continues to expect growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA.

* While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.

**The key earnings metric used at Brenntag for segment management is operating EBITDA. Operating EBITDA is the operating profit as reported in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment. At Group level, operating EBITDA corresponds to EBITDA. Segment operating EBITDA is calculated as segment EBITDA adjusted for holding charges. These are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, they net to zero.

Brenntag, the global leader in the growing market for chemical distribu-tion, expands the selling of AdBlue® in Europe with the opening of the first Air1® filling station in Spain. In cooperation with the filling station La Vega, Brenntag started the sales of the environment-friendly reducing agent for heavy commercial vehicles AdBlue® at Posada de Llanes (As-turias).

“La Vega, which sales about 16.000.000 liters of fuel-oil per year, is situ-ated in an ideal location, on the Km. 310 of the A-8, a busy highway in the north of Spain with heavy traffic of commercial vehicles. Within the next weeks, further new mini bulks will be installed in different points of the Spanish geography: La Junquera, Alsasua, Tarragona and Lugo. We are following the aim to complete our network for Spain and Portugal, with which we will ensure the uninterrupted supply of Air1® to our cus-tomers”, quotes Adolfo Domínguez, Air1® Product Manager for Brenntag Iberia.

AdBlue® is a special high-purity urea solution which Brenntag distributes across Europe under the Air1® brand in cooperation with Yara, the lead-ing urea producer in Western Europe. Brenntag has already imple-mented the Air1® concept at ten public filling stations and eleven on-site filling stations of road-haulage companies - and thus enables other vehi-cle pools and fleets to profit from this clean solution and effect a change over.

• Offer period will probably run from 16 to 26 March
• Listing planned for 29 March
• Expected proceeds to the company from EUR 483 million to EUR 588 million from capital increase
• Previous majority shareholders will continue to remain invested

Mülheim an der Ruhr, 15 March 2010 – The initial public offering of Brenntag AG has taken shape. The global market leader in chemical distribution, together with the current indirect majority owners, funds advised by BC Partners, and the underwriting banks, have established the general conditions for the offering. The price range for the share is EUR 46 to 56. Within this price range, it is foreseen that interested investors can submit their bids from 16 to 26 March. The listing in the Prime Standard of the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is scheduled for 29 March. Including the greenshoe option, a total of up to 14.95 million registered shares with no par value is on offer. Thereof, up to 10.50 million shares originate from the capital increase. At the mid-point of the price range, this corresponds to a placement volume of EUR 762.5 million assuming full execution of the greenshoe option and exercise of the capital increase. The proceeds from the capital increase will primarily be used to strengthen the equity basis, building the basis for continuous profitable growth.

The initial public offering comprises a public offer to private and institutional investors in the Federal Republic of Germany and in the grand duchy Luxemburg as well as an international private placement with institutional investors outside of Germany and Luxemburg.

Current indirect majority owners of Brenntag are funds advised by BC Partners. Also following the initial public offering, these funds will remain invested significantly in Brenntag and continue to accompany the company's growth trend. The company and the existing direct shareholder have committed to lock-up agreements or selling restrictions for a period of six months following the listing.
After placement of all shares offered, the free float will amount to close to 30 per cent if the greenshoe option is exercised in full.

As a global market leader in chemical distribution, Brenntag aims to expand its market position worldwide and in particular take advantage of growth opportunities in Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Brenntag CEO Stephen Clark explains: “We are looking forward to the upcoming roadshow and are convinced to offer an attractive investment with our resilient business model and significant growth potential. In economically rather difficult times Brenntag has proven to be to a large extent independent from business cycles based on its complete geographic coverage and diversity across industries, customers, products and suppliers.”

Brenntag operates in a market environment with considerable opportunities for growth, which result on the one hand from the trend towards outsourcing, by both suppliers and customers, and on the other hand from the great fragmentation of the market for chemical distribution. Based on a resilient business model with over 150,000 customers, Brenntag also aims to generate stable profits in the future and permit its shareholders to participate to a reasonable extent in the success of the company.

Trading of the shares of Brenntag Aktiengesellschaft is expected to begin on 29 March 2010 on the Regulated Market at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Prime Standard) under the trading symbol BNR. Brenntag's International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is DE000A1DAHH0, the German Securities Code (WKN) A1DAHH.

Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs International have been appointed for the IPO as global co-ordinators; besides the global co-ordinators, BofA Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan are acting as additional bookrunners. Co-lead-managers are COMMERZBANK, HSBC Trinkaus, SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE and The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Starting from 16 March 2010, bids for shares of Brenntag AG may be submitted to the members of the syndicate banks. The securities prospectus is available on the company's web site at www.brenntag.com and, in addition, can be obtained free of charge during usual business hours from Brenntag AG, Investor Relations, Stinnes-Platz 1, 45472 Mülheim/Ruhr. The offer period is expected to end on 26 March 2010, at 12 noon CET for private investors and 4 p.m. CET for institutional investors).The final pricing will be announced per ad hoc notice.

Background data to the initial public offering

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution (based on most recent market data). Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a vast supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop shop solutions to more than 150,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as technical services. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, Brenntag operates a global network with more than 400 locations in more than 60 countries. In 2009 the company realized global sales of EUR 6.4 billion (USD 8.9 billion) with approximately 11,000 people.

Disclaimer:
This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in Australia, Canada, Japan, or the United States or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or another exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada or Japan. The offer and sale of the securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan. There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States.

Investors should no purchase or subscribe for any shares referred to in this press release except on the basis of information in the prospectus issued by the Brenntag AG (the “Company”)in connection with the offering of such shares and approved by the German Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) on 15 March 2010. Copies of the prospectus are available free of charge from Brenntag AG (Corporate Communications, Stinnes-Platz 1, D-45472 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany) or on Brenntag’s website (www.brenntag.de).

This announcement is directed at and/or for distribution in the United Kingdom only to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities falling within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons are referred to herein as “relevant persons”). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.

The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company. The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness.

This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the asset management business. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

Each of the Company, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, BofA Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan (together the “Banks”) and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

The Banks are acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the offer. They will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the offer and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the offer, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

None of the Banks or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for/or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has signed an agreement to acquire the Swedish chemical distributor Fred Holmberg & Co AB headquartered in Malmö. Fred Holmberg is focused on the distribution of organic and inorganic chemicals in Scandinavia and provides efficient mixing and blending activities. The main site is located in Kalmar in the south-east of Sweden, with modern filling lines for packaging goods and directly connected to the harbor.

Karsten Beckmann, CEO Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa: “With this acquisition we bring together two strong companies. Thereby Brenntag will further strengthen and expand its industrial chemicals product portfolio in the region. The transaction fits our industrial chemicals strategy and will broaden the portfolio of products to our customers in addition to our existing ‎speciality range of products and services. With acquiring Fred Holmberg & Co AB we invest once more into our infrastructure which also will add value to our business partners, both customers as well as suppliers.”

“It is very exciting that we have come to terms with Brenntag. We are combining Fred Holmberg & Co AB’s cost-effective logistic set-up and Brenntag Nordic’s market penetration capabilities which enables us to further improve and develop our attractiveness to customers as well as to suppliers and producers in the region” said Fred Holmberg, owner and founder of Fred Holmberg & Co AB.

The acquired business is expected to generate total sales of approximately EUR 75.3 million in 2014. Gross profit in 2014 is expected to amount to EUR 12.3 million with an EBITDA of EUR 3.2 million. The investment amount will be EUR 19.4 million. The transaction is expected to be closed during the first quarter of 2015.


About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 480 locations in more than 70 countries. In 2013, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,000, generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion (USD 13.0 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

In 2011 Brenntag’s growth strategy continued to pay off and enabled record results
Brenntag started into the fiscal year 2012 with continued earnings growth and expects further growth in all relevant earnings parameters for the remainder of the year
Significantly increased dividend of EUR 2.00 per share (2011: EUR 1.40) proposed

In today’s General Shareholders’ Meeting Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, looks back at a successful year 2011.

The year 2011 was marked by numerous important events. In the first half-year Brenntag focused on its financing structure. Both rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s had raised their ratings. Subsequently Brenntag refinanced nearly all of its existing debt and achieved extended maturities, a high degree of financial flexibility and significant margin improvements. In the second half-year Brenntag closed two major acquisitions: The Multisol Group in UK expanded Brenntag’s product portfolio with high quality base oils and lubricant additives. With the acquisition of a majority stake in the Zhong Yung Group Brenntag achieved its strategic market entry in China.

Results 2011
All key performance indicators showed strong growth rates. Sales increased by 15.4% based on constant exchange rates (13.5% as reported) to EUR 8,679.3 million in 2011. More importantly, Brenntag managed to grow gross profit* by 10.0% based on constant exchange rates (8.0% as reported) to EUR 1,768.0 million. Increased efficiencies provided for an even stronger growth in operating EBITDA** which rose by 12.2% based on constant exchange rates (9.7% as reported) to EUR 660.9 million. One of Brenntag’s key profitability indicators – the ratio of operating EBITDA** to gross profit* – further improved from 36.8% to 37.4% in 2011. Thereby the company once again managed to continuously improve efficiencies within the group. All regions contributed to the positive development in 2011. Profit after tax enhanced by 90.5% and amounted to EUR 279.3 million, reflecting earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of EUR 5.39 (2010: EUR 2.93).

First quarter 2012
Brenntag continued to grow earnings in the first quarter of 2012. This development was supported by organic growth as well as through the contribution of acquisitions made in 2011. Sales increased by 10.4% based on constant exchange rates (12.1% as reported) to EUR 2,384.8 million. More relevant, gross profit* reached EUR 475.0 million and thereby increased by 7.4% based on constant exchange rates (9.3% as reported). Operating EBITDA** improved to EUR 171.5 million which corresponds to a currency adjusted growth rate of 6.3% (8.5% as reported). Although Brenntag reported positive growth rates in the first quarter of 2012 in Europe, it implemented efficiency-enhancing measures in answer to the generally lower economic growth expectations for Europe. The implementation of these efficiency-enhancing measures had a negative impact on operating expenses in the first quarter of 2012, but will lead to lower expenses as the year progresses.

Expansion of the Management Board
In recognition of the continued development within the region and further growth opportunities Jürgen Buchsteiner, CFO of the Group has taken over responsibility for the region Asia Pacific on the Management Board in addition to his on-going responsibilities for the Group’s Mergers & Acquisitions function worldwide.

Georg Müller, who joined the Management Board effective April 1, 2012 after working for the company for almost ten years and being instrumental in building Brenntag’s excellent reputation in financial markets and with investors worldwide, will take over the role as CFO from Jürgen Buchsteiner as of July 1, 2012.

Steven Holland, CEO Brenntag AG: “For years now we follow our strategy of being a global chemical distributor and expanding our geographic coverage. In future Jürgen Buchsteiner, who has been pivotal in Brenntag’s acquisition strategy in Asia-Pacific, will manage the integration and development of our pan-Asian network both operationally and through acquisitions. The appointment of Georg Müller as additional member of the Management Board and future CFO of the Group underlines our successful personnel development and ensures the continuity of our strategy. With this expanded Management Board we will even better be able to achieve our ultimate goals: to be the safest, fastest growing, most profitable, global chemical distributor and preferred channel for both specialty and industrial chemicals.”

Dividend proposal
Based on the strong results in 2011, Brenntag’s Management Board and Supervisory Board propose the General Shareholders’ Meeting to pay a dividend of EUR 2.00 per share which constitutes a strong increase over the previous year, when EUR 1.40 per share was paid out. This dividend proposal represents a dividend payout ratio of 37% of net profit attributable to Brenntag shareholders.

Positive outlook to the remaining year 2012
With view to 2012 the three performance indicators gross profit, EBITDA and profit after tax show positive trends and Brenntag expects to achieve growth in all three. CEO Steven Holland: “The high degree of diversification in our business model with a wide geographic coverage, various customers, suppliers and products in different industries is one of our key strengths.” Brenntag considers the chemical distribution market to grow, also in the long term, both as a result of momentum from the development of the global economy and the sustained trend towards chemical producers outsourcing their distribution activities to distributors. Brenntag’s broad market presence will enable the company to participate in this trend in the next few years and, by focusing on attractive growth segments and steadily enhancing the efficiency, Brenntag expects an above-average benefit from this trend.


* While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.
**Brenntag’s segments are primarily controlled on the basis of operating EBITDA, which is the operating profit/loss as recorded in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets as well as depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property, adjusted for the following items:

• Transaction costs: Costs connected with restructuring under company law and refinancing, particularly the IPO in 2010 and the refinancing in 2011. They are eliminated for purposes of management reporting to permit proper presentation of the operating performance and comparability on segment level.
• Holding charges: Certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. On Group level they net to zero.
  
  About Brenntag:
  Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to more than 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in 68 countries. In 2011 the company realized global sales of EUR 8.7 billion (USD 12.1 billion) with nearly 13,000 employees.
  
  This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Brenntag AG and other information currently available to the company. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Brenntag AG does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Brenntag, the global leader in chemical distribution, announced today that its South African joint venture Crest Chemicals Limited acquired the chemical distribution assets of CH Chemicals.

Formed in 1987 CH Chemicals markets a broad spectrum of commodity and specialty chemicals to an extensive range of industries such as coatings, industrial formulators, cosmetics, food & beverages and mining.

Michiel Vijverberg, Managing Director Crest Chemicals Ltd.: “This promising acquisition will strengthen our presence in the South African chemical distribution market. CH Chemicals has excellent and long-lasting relationships to world class suppliers, together with its broad range of products the company is an ideal complement to Crest Chemicals. We will expand our existing business units Food, Pharma & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings as well as the Industrial Division and will add the business unit Detergents & Chemical Formulators to our portfolio.“

Crest Chemicals, located in Midrand, South Africa, is a joint venture of Brenntag and Chemical Services Ltd. The company has a leading position in the South African distribution market and operates via five distribution centers in Midrand, Durban, East London, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Brenntag recorded global 2008 sales of EUR 7.4 billion (USD 10.8 billion). Today the company operates in excess of 300 locations with more than 11,000 people in 64 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.

Brenntag announces today the launch of its global Food & Nutrition brand. The company’s food and beverage specific capabilities in 73 countries, with over 750 dedicated employees and 28 food application and development centers will be drawn together in one coordinated business unit and management.

Brenntag Food & Nutrition is at home everywhere in the world with a strong local presence and infrastructure. Deeply rooted in the local culture and business, it is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of its partners. Customers and suppliers will benefit from Brenntag Food & Nutrition understanding the market specific needs and developments. The 28 food application and development centers are at the business partners’ service in the universe of food: The technical teams create tailor-made food and nutrition formulations and deliver smart solutions. Brenntag’s dedicated marketing and sales people are the preferred channel for suppliers and a trusted partner to customers, ready to boost existing business and to open new opportunities. At the same time the Food & Nutrition organization will use the market leading distribution excellence and infrastructure of the Brenntag Group. It is also equally committed to Brenntag’s safety and sustainability promise, thereby fulfilling the industry’s ever-growing safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

“Brenntag Food & Nutrition is the perfect combination of specialized support for the Food & Nutrition market, distribution capabilities and Brenntag legacy, it is true value. We want our partners to sense that difference, to sense the difference we can make to their product and their business”, shares Tom Corcoran, Vice President Food & Nutrition Brenntag Group, his ambition for the new unit. He adds: “Our biggest asset, however, is our team who shares a common passion for food & nutrition. We aspire to be a living network, sharing best practices, knowledge and insights and ultimately turning trends into marketable products for our partners.”

Brenntag Food & Nutrition will have its own structure within the Brenntag organization. Tom Corcoran is leading the global business as Vice President Food & Nutrition Brenntag Group, overseeing global targets, strategy and marketing. Brenntag’s four regions are each covered by a Vice President: Frank Haven for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Margaret Chua for Asia Pacific, Larry Davis for North America and Tomás Navarro for Latin America, who will be responsible for regional strategy and operations.

“Brenntag has a significant Food & Nutrition business on a global scale with a good mix of ingredients, specialty chemicals and value added services. With our capabilities we are now at a tipping point where it made sense to join all respective forces to concentrate on Food & Nutrition which is an important industry segment for Brenntag with attractive opportunities for growth. With the new set-up, we will be in a much better position to meet the expectations of our current and future business partners on both, local and global level”, explains Henri Nejade, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group. The new Food & Nutrition brand has the slogan “Sense the difference” to demonstrate Brenntag’s new global market approach which is unveiled at the US industry event Supply Side West today. The dedicated website goes live in parallel.

For more information on Brenntag Food & Nutrition, visit www.brenntag.com/food-nutrition

About Brenntag Food & Nutrition:

Brenntag Food & Nutrition, part of the Brenntag Group, is a leading provider of food ingredients to the market places around the globe. We built a reputation of partnering with the best suppliers of ingredients and additives and deliver right to our customers’ needs and requirements. With more than 750 dedicated employees, a presence in 73 countries and 28 application and development centers, Brenntag Food & Nutrition provides technical expertise, tailor-made formulation and application solutions, a broad portfolio of specialty and commodity ingredients and profound industry know-how in the segments meat, poultry & fish processing, bakery & bread, dairy & ice cream, beverages, chocolate & confectionary, convenience food and fruit & vegetable processing. Brenntag Food & Nutrition makes its business partners “Sense the difference”. For more information, please visit www.brenntag.com/food-nutrition

In the download section you fill find additional information on Brenntag Food & Nutrition:

• CVs and quotes of the Vice Presidents
• Fact Sheets Application and Development Centers in the US, Poland and Vietnam
• Fact Sheet Application Expertise

Brenntag Europe is pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2013, it will be distributing the full range of scale inhibition polymers for water treatment, mining and mineral processing applications from Dow Consumer & Industrial Solutions within the Central and Eastern Europe region and Turkey (CEET).

For more than a decade Brenntag, the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution, has successfully promoted a range of specialty products from Dow Consumer & Industrial Solutions (formerly Rohm and Haas) into these applications in Western Europe. Building on this experience, the company announces that it is expanding its long-standing relationship with Dow to meet the ever-changing needs of the market.

“We are pleased to further develop our long-standing and successful relationship with Brenntag across Europe,” said Hasim Cavusoglu, Regional Sales and Marketing Leader for Dow Consumer & Industrial Solutions in the CEET region. “With the team of Brenntag Specialties Europe, we have found an ideal partner to market the portfolio, offer excellent customer service and help further develop the business.”

“This is an exciting, complementary addition to our product portfolio,” commented Dr. Thomas Heinrich, European Marketing Manager for Cleaning & Water Treatment at Brenntag. “We are delighted that we will be working with Dow, a leading company in this area and having now full coverage in Europe within the aforementioned industries.”

The agreement includes the full portfolio of legacy Rohm and Haas Fabric and Surface Care specialties that have been consolidated within the Dow Consumer & Industrial Solution portfolio as a result of Dow’s acquisition of Rohm and Haas in April 2009. These specialties include the well-known family of ACUMER™ Dispersants, which are used in many core areas of the Water Treatment, Mineral Processing and Mining Markets.


About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to more than 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in 70 countries. In 2011 the company realized global sales of EUR 8.7 billion (USD 12.1 billion) with nearly 13,000 employees.

About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agro sciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, announces that Markus Klähn, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Brenntag North America is appointed to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Brenntag North America. In this position he succeeds William Fidler, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag AG and responsible for the regions North America and Latin America. Markus Klähn will continue to report to William Fidler.

Markus Klähn joined Brenntag in 1994. After various positions at corporate headquarters of Brenntag Group he became Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Brenntag Latin America, Inc. in 2004. In 2007 he became President of Brenntag Northeast, Inc. and overtook operational responsibility for Brenntag North America in 2011 as COO. In February 2013 he was appointed President of Brenntag North America, Inc.

Brenntag Group’s Chief Executive Officer Steven Holland: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Markus as CEO for Brenntag in North America. With a proven track record of commercial and financial leadership he brings the experience and expertise to continue the success of Brenntag North America and will ensure that we expand our growth in this important region.”

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to more than 170,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 450 locations in over 70 countries. In 2012 the company realized global sales of EUR 9.7 billion (USD 12.5 billion) with nearly 13,000 employees.

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, today has acquired Tan International Limited headquartered in Perth, Scotland. The company is a distributor and blender of specialty and industrial chemicals and ingredients with a broad product and service portfolio for a variety of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and energy.

Karsten Beckmann, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa: “With the acquisition of Tan International we complement our existing activities and offering in the region and thus strengthen our position in the country. The company’s strong relationships with large key accounts as well as its diverse portfolio support our ambition to expand further in focus industries such as Food & Nutrition, Agriculture and Oil & Gas.”

Anthony Gerace, Managing Director Mergers & Acquisitions at Brenntag Group: “With the acquisition, Brenntag can develop the company’s existing structure, diversified supplier base, blending capabilities and strong technical resources to support our growth in the area and provide its customers with access to the extensive Brenntag product portfolio. The excellent location of the site in Perth will also enable Brenntag to enhance our regional coverage and offer improved service capabilities across the region.”

The acquired business is expected to generate sales of approximately GBP 21 million in the financial year 2019.

Brenntag Oil & Gas Europe has recently been SCC** (Safety Checklist Contractors) certified for its HSE working procedures by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, a member of Lloyd’s Register Group with head office in London.

Brenntag Oil & Gas Europe got certified for its technical support, distribution of chemicals and its accompanying service to the oil and gas production and processing industry. Next to that, the employees have been trained and certified according the same SCC** standards.

More detailed information about Brenntag Oil & Gas products and ser-vices can be obtained by visiting: www.brenntag.com or www.n-spec.com.
More information about SCC can be found on www.ssvv.nl.

SCC**: The stars indicate the certification level. An SCC** certificate is meant for com-panies with more than 35 employees who are acting as the main contractor.

Contact:
Claudia Boets
Brenntag Nederland B.V.
Tel: + 31 (0)78 65 44 143
E-mail: info-oilgas-europe@brenntagww.com

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has published its Sustainability Report for the Financial Year 2017. In this Group report, the company presents its performance in the field of sustainability and documents its global activities and achievements in the areas of safety, environmental protection, supply chain responsibility, employees and social involvement.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, comments: “Sustainably managing a globally operating, decentralized company such as Brenntag is a permanent challenge that we are happy to take. In this report – our fifth to date – we continue to provide transparent information on our activities and report on the status of our global sustainability targets. In 2017, for example, we succeeded in cutting Group-wide CO₂ emissions per tonne of goods sold by around 2.5% compared to 2016. Our goal is to achieve a reduction of 6% by 2020.”

Brenntag has also had success with the topic of sustainable procurement. Within the scope of its membership of the “Together for Sustainability” industry initiative, the company has now assessed the sustainability performance of a large number of its suppliers. These suppliers represent around 64% of Brenntag’s total chemical spend worldwide. “This means that we have already achieved our target coverage ratio of 50% by 2020. The challenge now is to integrate the findings obtained even further into our purchasing processes,” says Dr Dirk Eckert, Group Sustainability Manager at Brenntag.

The Brenntag Group’s fundamental approaches, organizational structures and processes for managing sustainability issues are presented in the current report. Numerous examples from the operating units provide an insight into practical operations and show how sustainability is implemented in Brenntag’s regions worldwide.

Safety, which is of paramount importance at Brenntag, is a focus area of the report. “Safety requires constant vigilance from all of us and does not happen by itself. This makes it all the more important that we do not ease up on our efforts in this area. We are working hard to achieve continuous improvements in our company’s safety culture and increase employees’ awareness of safe behaviour both in the workplace and in their personal lives,” emphasizes Steven Holland.

Brenntag’s Sustainability Report for the Financial Year 2017 is based on the “Sustainable Reporting Standards” (SRS) of the internationally recognized “Global Reporting Initiative” (GRI). Selected content also forms the separate non-financial Group report to ensure compliance with the legal requirements of the German CSR Directive Implementation Act (CSR-RUG). This content has been externally reviewed for the first time.

Click here for more information on Sustainability at Brenntag.

The Supervisory Board of Brenntag AG, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has renewed the contract of current Chief Executive Officer Steven Holland for five years until February 29, 2020. All areas of responsibilities within the Management Board remain unchanged.

Stefan Zuschke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Brenntag AG: “Renewing the contract of Steven Holland is a strong signal of continuity. We are very satisfied with the Management Board steering the company in challenging markets worldwide. The Supervisory Board recognizes the management’s expertise and experience leading Brenntag to further growth and success. With Steven Holland at the helm, Brenntag is perfectly positioned for the future growth path and to further expand its leadership in global chemical distribution.”

In 2007 Steven Holland joined the Brenntag Group’s Management Board when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer Brenntag Europe. In 2009 he became Chief Operating Officer for Brenntag’s worldwide operations and in June 2011 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG.


About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 480 locations in more than 70 countries. In 2013, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,000, generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion (USD 13.0 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, announces the signing of a distribution agreement with carbon clean tech AG (cct), leading in the production of recovered carbon black (rCB) pigments, based out of Germany.

The agreement focuses on the coatings, construction and polymers industries. It covers an extensive list of countries that include France, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia and Morocco. In addition, Russia and Ukraine are included for the rubber market.

cct uses an innovative patented technology, which utilizes post consumer rubber as a feedstock, rather than oil. cct is the only rCB producer to have ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 quality and environmental certifications, and to have grades which conform to the EU 10/2011 food contact regulations.

Martin Rimmer, European Marketing Manager Coatings & Construction for Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa: “This is an exciting and significant additional development for our range of environmentally friendly products. rCB will significantly reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the use of black pigments. This partnership enables us to contribute to a sustainable and waste-free industry”.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 490 locations in 72 countries. In 2014, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,500, generated sales of EUR 10.0 billion (USD 13.3 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

About carbon clean tech AG (cct):
Carbon black produced from the pyrolysis of waste tyres can be used in almost any application that ‘virgin’ carbon black (VCB) may be used such as tire production, rubber compounding, pigments, coatings, etc. Some specialized applications of recovered carbon black (RCB) may require additional processing after pyrolysis to yield specific particle sizes; however, there are many applications for carbon black recovered from waste tyres that require little, if any, post processing of the material. We manufacture a high-quality and environmentally superior alternative to traditional carbon black, for use in the polymers industry. Our commercial grade products have been used to substitute several ASTM grades. In addition, we continuously develop special grades with unique properties for new polymer applications. Our production plant (seen in this film from carbon black expert Francois Terrade), the first of its kind to operate at an industrial scale in Europe, has been in production and supplying customers since 2012. As per industry standard, all our grades are pelletized and shipped in standard sacks or big bags.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has signed an agreement to acquire the lubricants business of NOCO Inc., headquartered in Tonawanda, New York, USA.

Markus Klähn, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag North America: “NOCO’s lubricants business ideally complements our lubricants business in New England, which we established last year with the acquisition of G.H. Berlin-Windward. We will be able to leverage existing infrastructure, add additional talent and solidify our leading market position.”

NOCO supplies high quality lubricant products to a broad range of industries in the Northeast region of the United States and parts of Ontario and Southern Quebec. The acquisition does not impact NOCO's energy distribution or retail businesses.

Anthony Gerace, Managing Director Mergers & Acquisitions at Brenntag Group: “NOCO’s geographic coverage makes this a perfect fit and a natural extension of our existing lubricants business in the Northeast region of the US. Furthermore, we are pleased to enter the Canadian lubricants market by acquiring an established distribution network operating in a major industrial region within the country.”

The business is expected to generate total sales of approximately 209 million USD in the financial year 2016. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the course of the next weeks, subject to contractually agreed closing conditions.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, today announces the inauguration of a new warehouse facility in Dongguan, South China. The newly built facility is located in the province of Guangdong which is one of the largest economic provinces in China. Operations have already started.

Henri Nejade, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag Asia Pacific: “We are excited about the start of our operations at Dongguan as its capabilities and ideal location will certainly enhance our position in the South China market and further enable Brenntag to provide more value-added services to our customers and suppliers.”

On an area of around 39,000 m², the new Brenntag site features 24 storage tanks, 3,000 m² storage area for Class A chemicals and a 2,500 m² workshop and blending area for both solvents and inorganic chemicals. The Dongguan facility complies with highest safety and environmental restrictions and is located in a dedicated chemical park. Safety is always a top priority at Brenntag. Worldwide, the company operates in accordance with the “Safety First” principle as its most important value.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, will become the exclusive distribution partner for KRONOS specialty Titanium Dioxide grades marketed into Pharma, Cosmetics, Food and Animal Nutrition industries. Effective January 1, 2018, the exclusive agreement will cover the distribution in the Western Europe region.

The distribution includes the Titanium Dioxide grades KRONOS 1171 and KRONOS 2971 which comply with the product safety legislation 1223/2009/EC (cosmetics), 1333/2008/EC (foodstuff additives), 231/2012/EU (food colour), European Pharmacopoeia and FSSC 22000.

KRONOS 1171 is an anatase pigment approved for colouring food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and tobacco products. KRONOS 2971 is a rutile pigment approved for colouring foodstuffs and cosmetics. Brenntag holds a strong foothold in the EMEA wide Life Science industry and thus provides an excellent platform to further grow the KRONOS product range.

Uwe Schültke, COO Brenntag EMEA, explains: “This is a great addition to our existing product portfolio and it further deepens and strengthens our global business relationship with KRONOS. Our excellent market expertise, long-term experience, and great customer proximity will ease the sales and marketing of KRONOS products.”

Jean-Pierre Gravel, President KRONOS Europe, explains: “We are very excited to enter in this new partnership with Brenntag for the distribution of our food, pharma and cosmetics line. We are confident that this collaboration will help us grow the business through increased market exposure and provide improved service to customers on technical, regulatory and commercial aspects.”

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, is entering the micronization and fine milling segment in Germany and Europe. To this end, the company this week acquired ACU PHARMA und CHEMIE group (ACU), Germany.

According to Karsten Beckmann, Member of the Board of Management of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa, “The core competence of ACU in the area of ultra-fine milling of solids allows us to continue expanding our portfolio of value-added services, particularly for customers in the Life Science segment. The acquisition brings us powerful expertise as well as plant technology for a variety of services. We can now offer our customers an additional advantage by positioning Brenntag as a reliable, efficient partner in this part of the supply chain as well.”

ACU specializes in the milling and micronization of products and compound mixtures. In its modern facility, the company produces high quality powders for customers in many different industries. Besides this custom-made contract manufacturing, ACU sells its own micronized products, especially lithium carbonate.

“This acquisition is attractive for several reasons. Brenntag can profit from the outsourcing trend among chemical producers in areas such as micronization which are not core business activities. In addition, we are breaking into the attractive lithium-carbonate distribution business in Germany, Austria and Switzerland,” says Anthony Gerace, Managing Director Mergers & Acquisitions at Brenntag Group.

The acquired business generated sales of approximately 4.5 million EUR in the financial year 2015.

The Lutterworth facility is the latest facility further expanding the extensive network of Brenntag blending facilities. Russel Argo, President of Brenntag UK & Ireland, said: "The evolution of our blending business has been in the more traditionally industrial bases in the north of England and the North of the UK so the location of the site in Lutterworth, which is right in the middle of England, gives us a really strong base from which to grow our business throughout the midlands and further into the South." The Lutterworth facility has larger tanks than many of Brenntag’s other facilities, gives better batch control and batch quality control in particular to give a much finer and finished product for the customers. It also allows to make new blends thus adding new products into Brenntag portfolio.

• Gross profit* rose to 641.3 million EUR (+6.2% as reported)
• Operating EBITDA** up by 1.9% on the previous year to 219.8 million EUR (as reported)
• Very encouraging performance in North America
• Profit after tax came to 106.8 million EUR and earnings per share rose to 0.69 EUR
• For 2017 as a whole, Brenntag forecasts growth in operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA**. Group operating EBITDA is expected, before one-time effects, to be between 820 and 850 million EUR.

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted further growth in the second quarter of 2017. This was driven especially by the very encouraging performance in the North America region, where it achieved a clear increase in the results in an improved economic environment. In the regions Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific, Brenntag posted slightly slower business performances in the second quarter of 2017. For financial year 2017, the Brenntag Group continues to forecast growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA** (before one-time effects).

Brenntag generated sales of 3,001.4 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 12.7% on the prior-year period (+11.5% on a constant currency basis). The Group’s key performance indicator gross profit also climbed, rising by 6.2% year on year (5.2% on a constant currency basis) to reach 641.3 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 1.9% on the prior-year period (+0.8% on a constant currency basis) to 219.8 million EUR.

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 102.1 million EUR to 106.8 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.69 EUR (+4.5%).

At 122.5 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, free cash flow was down on the prior-year period (164.7 million EUR), due mainly to the increase in chemical prices and the resulting rise in working capital.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “Brenntag continued to grow in the second quarter of 2017. The very encouraging business and earnings performance from Brenntag North America is particularly worthy of note and was supported by both the existing business and the acquisitions. The Asia Pacific region showed a successful, albeit slightly slower business performance compared with the previous year, while in the EMEA region we saw a somewhat weaker quarter. As expected, our results in Latin America continue to be adversely affected by the somewhat difficult macroeconomic environment.”

EMEA posts slightly weaker quarter

The EMEA region posted operating gross profit of 280.0 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 0.4% on the prior-year quarter (+1.2% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA was down by 6.6% (-5.9% on a constant currency basis) to 93.9 million EUR. Following recent good results in the EMEA region, these results for the second quarter are below expectations. This is partly due to clear falls in demand in some lines of business in Scandinavia.
Over recent years of weaker macroeconomic demand, Brenntag EMEA has launched a range of initiatives aimed to manage the business and capture growth with a more European focus. These measures have already yielded results. Nevertheless, Brenntag sees further opportunities to increase supply chain efficiency and expects to generate annual savings of 8 million EUR as of the beginning of 2018. The special costs associated with implementing the programme will amount to approximately 25 million EUR and arise in the second half of this year.

North America achieves clear earnings growth

In a generally improved economic environment, Brenntag delivered an excellent earnings performance in the North America region in the second quarter of 2017. Driven primarily by a clear increase in the results achieved by the core business, operating gross profit was up by 13.8% on the prior-year figure (+11.2% on a constant currency basis) to 280.2 million EUR. Operating EBITDA increased by 14.4% (+11.6% on a constant currency basis) to 106.6 million EUR. The included acquisitions performed very well and made a positive contribution.

Business in Latin America continues to be adversely impacted by external environment Against a background of sustained contraction in industrial production throughout the region and still-difficult economic conditions in some countries, Brenntag achieved operating gross profit of 44.1 million EUR in Latin America in the second quarter of 2017. This is an increase of 2.8% compared with the prior-year quarter (-1.7% on a constant currency basis) and an improvement on the first quarter of 2017. Operating EBITDA was down by 14.9% year on year (-18.2% on a constant currency basis) to 9.7 million EUR. The economic situation in Brazil stabilized in the reporting period.

Mixed picture in the Asia Pacific region

The companies in the Asia Pacific region generated operating gross profit of 48.9 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 7.2% year on year (6.0% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA reached 16.8 million EUR and was therefore 2.9% down on the high prior-year result (-4.0% on a constant currency basis). While business performance in many countries was impressive, other countries such as Indonesia saw clear falls in demand, which depressed earnings overall.

Brenntag continues to expect growth for 2017 as a whole

In light of the results in the first half of the year and macroeconomic developments in the regions, Brenntag continues to expect growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA for 2017 as a whole. Group operating EBITDA is forecast to be in the 820 to 850 million EUR range (before one-time effects from the European efficiency improvement program in the amount of 25 million EUR and assuming unchanged exchange rates until the end of the year).

*While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.

**The key earnings metric used at Brenntag for segment management is operating EBITDA. Operating EBITDA is the operating profit as reported in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment. At Group level, operating EBITDA corresponds to EBITDA. Segment operating EBITDA is calculated as segment EBITDA adjusted for holding charges. These are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, they net to zero.

With twenty four hour, minute by minute coverage of the unfolding catastrophe that Hurricane Harvey brought to Texas and parts of Louisiana there can hardly be any one who is not aware of the extensive flooding and sadly some loss of life suffered in the region.

Not surprisingly we have also seen a direct impact on some of our operations in the region however I am pleased to advise you we have no reported injuries and all our colleagues who work in the affected area are accounted for.

It's too early to establish the full extent of the damage caused by the flooding but I can say that we are already restarting operations and will assess the impact over the next weeks to determine what might be required to restore or replace any effected stocks or equipment.

I would like to highlight that during the emergency we have to thank truly exceptional work by some of our operational teams to secure our sites and move products to higher ground as flood waters entered some of our installations.

We are of course acutely aware of the hardship many of our colleagues have endured personally as flood waters entered homes and damaged personal possessions and we are looking carefully at practical ways in which we can help.

Again it will be no surprise to anyone that there are a number of supply issues developing as large sections of chemical refining capacity were shut down at the height of storms and many of these are still at the very early stages of restarting. Infrastructure such as road, rail and the ports are still not back to full strength.

We are of course working very closely with customers and suppliers to try and bridge the anticipated supply chain challenges with intelligent use of our existing stock positions and drawing in supply's from other parts of the United States and where practical alternative sources from other parts of the world.

This is a significant challenge but we have the best commercial resources available working round the clock to help reduce the Impact on customers.

Once again thank you to all our colleagues in Texas and Louisiana for their dedication and resolve in the most difficult of circumstances.

Steve Holland, CEO Brenntag Group

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has refinanced its existing syndicated loan agreement at an early stage, thus extending the term. The term of the new syndicated loan is now to end in January 2022 at the earliest.The previous syndicated loan had been scheduled to run until March 2019. At the same time, this move reduces interest expenses and brings about further improvements in the credit documentation.

The syndicated credit line is the most important financing instrument for the Brenntag Group, with a volume of around 1.7 billion EUR. With the term of the new syndicated loan, Brenntag has further improved the maturity profile of its overall debt and given it a very long-term horizon.

The transaction was placed within Brenntag’s existing banking syndicate and was significantly oversubscribed. The new loan documentation reflects Brenntag’s high creditworthiness and its excellent reputation on the capital markets.

Georg Müller, CFO of Brenntag AG: “With this transaction, we were able to make use of the excellent market conditions that exist at present in order to safeguard our most important financing instrument in the long term and to reduce the interest expense. The high oversubscription of the transaction is a clear indication of the great level of trust that our banking syndicate has in us. We are delighted about this and see it as a sign of Brenntag’s financial strength.”

The transaction was supported by a group of 19 banks from Brenntag’s existing banking syndicate. The bookrunners were Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BNP Paribas S.A. Niederlasung Deutschland, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt AG, ING Bank, a branch of ING-DiBa AG, Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen Girozentrale, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) and UniCredit Bank AG.

Brenntag Food Europe will attend the Food Hydrocolloids Conference 2007 from April 22-24th in Lisbon, Portugal.
Margit Lindermuth, Marketing Director Brenntag Food Europe and speaker on the topic “Looking East – New Markets, Partnerships & Op-portunities” explains: “The conference is an ideal platform to increase relationships with other stakeholders of the food market and to communicate about current topics like consumer preferences, international distribution challenges as well as economics and logistics of ingredients distributiion.”

Please find more information on the internet www.hydrocolloid.com.

Brenntag Brenntag Specialties, Inc., part of the Brenntag Group, the global market leader in chemical distribution, is now a distributor of Wanhua America Co., Ltd for aromatic isocyanates, polyether polyols, coatings additives, and polyurethane dispersions (PUD).

The Wanhua product lines will be utilized in adhesive, coating, elastomer, sealant, and construction applications such as automotive interior, footwear, 3D lamination, and glass and wood coatings. The products will efficiently provide high gloss, excellent chemical resistance, and optimal shear viscosity. The aromatic isocyanates, polyether polyols, coatings additives, and PUD products include:

• Adwel®
• Antkote
• Wantipro
• WANNATE®
• Vesmody®
• Leasys®
• Tekspro
• Urosin®
• Lacper®
• Aquolin

Located in Yantai, China, Wanhua specializes in the formulation and manufacturing of urethane technology raw materials. In addition, Wanhua supplies resins and additives to the coating and construction industries.

“Brenntag’s work with Wanhua continues to demonstrate our commitment to deliver top quality raw materials to our customers,” said Ralph Gatti, Director of Marketing-Material Sciences for Brenntag Specialties. “Our team looks forward to working alongside Wanhua to bring new opportunities for urethane technology. These products are a great addition to our portfolio, giving our customers possibilities they’ve been seeking.”

Brenntag Specialties will distribute these products to customers in all U.S. states excluding Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

About Wanhua:

Wanhua is a Chinese company specializing in urethane technologies and raw materials for over 30 years. The main business of Wanhua is the R&D, production and sales of PU series products, like isocyanate and polyol; the petrochemical series products, like PO/AE; the functioning materials of water-based coatings and specialty chemicals. As the largest MDI producer in the world and the biggest TDI supplier in Europe, Wanhua has five manufacturing bases all over the world and has set up more than ten subsidiaries or branches in Europe, Middle-east, America, Japan, Russia, and India. Taking the customers’ need as guidance, Wanhua will persist in the concept of responsible care and sustainable development to make our company a world-class innovative company. For more information on Wanhua, please visit http://www.whchem.com/en.

Press contact for Brenntag North America:

Talitha Poore
Brenntag North America, Inc.
5083 Pottsville Pike
USA – Reading, PA 19605
Telephone: +1 (610) 916-3825
E-Mail: brenntag@brenntag.com
www.brenntagnorthamerica.com

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has established Brenntag Chemicals Nigeria Ltd., located in Lagos, Nigeria. The country is currently ranking number one in terms of Gross Domestic Product in Africa and is one of the world’s largest producers of Oil & Gas. It holds a great potential for the distribution of chemicals in the Oil & Gas sector and also serves as a regional and pan-African production center for many industries such as Paint, Cosmetics, Food & Agriculture and Water Treatment.

“We have been exporting to Nigeria for over 30 years and now expand our local business. For us Nigeria is a key market in the region. With this new entity, which we established closely working together with our subsidiary the Multisol Group, focused on high value fuel and lubricant additives, we want to improve our services to customers and suppliers in the region also by offering warehouse services locally. By establishing this legal entity we will also improve our service capabilities to the lubricants additives market”, says Karsten Beckmann, CEO Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa.

With a local presence Brenntag increases its market position and will be able to understand the local needs of customers even better. Brenntag already has offices in the Maghreb region, Ghana and South Africa.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 480 locations in more than 70 countries. In 2013, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,000, generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion (USD 13.0 billion). Brenntag is the link between chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, and AkzoNobel have signed a three-year service contract in China under which Brenntag China provides services to AkzoNobel including laboratory and warehouse rental as well as thinner toll manufacturing service.

On January 15, 2015, Henri Nejade, CEO and President of Brenntag Asia Pacific, and Ethan Hou, Business Director of Akzo-Nobel Specialty Coatings North and South Asia, cut the ribbon at the ceremony to open the laboratory and warehouse that Akzo-Nobel Specialty Coatings is going to occupy at the Chongqing Chemical Storage and Tolling Service Complex of Brenntag China.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ethan Hou indicated that AkzoNobel and Brenntag have extensive cooperation in China and AkzoNobel was very pleased with Brenntag China's strong support while they were vigorously developing the southwest market. “AkzoNobel Special Coatings is committed to the Chinese market and our customers in China. Over the years, Brenntag has provided us with strong support to our business’ sustainable growth. I believe the professional management, high-standard operation and timely service of Brenntag’s Chongqing facilities will better support us to open a new business frontier and further expand our business in the southwest region. I very much look forward to our continuous cooperation and success in China”, he said.

Henri Nejade shared that Brenntag and AkzoNobel have broad, in-depth and long-time cooperation all over the world. “It is a great honor for Brenntag to be able to provide laboratory and storage spaces, and blending services to AkzoNobel in the southwest region of China. Brenntag gives high focus on the further development in Asia Pacific, especially in China. It is Brenntag’s expectation to continuously extend and deepen the cooperation with AkzoNobel in China and grow the business hand in hand.”

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 490 locations in 72 countries. In 2014, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,500, generated sales of EUR 10.0 billion (USD 13.3 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, announces the appointment of Marion Mestrom as Global Human Resources Director for Brenntag Group, effective April 1, 2015. She will report to Chief Executive Officer Steven Holland.

The new executive level appointment supports the continuous development of Brenntag’s regional and worldwide ambitions to be the employer of choice within the chemical distribution industry. Brenntag CEO Steven Holland: “It’s my pleasure to announce the appointment of Marion Mestrom as Brenntag’s Global HR Director. It is a further step in providing long term sustainable growth with regard to organizational development and succession planning. With her longstanding expertise, Marion is a highly regarded HR professional who will contribute a wealth of experience to Brenntag.”

Marion Mestrom held key positions across several units with Philips Group and has worked extensively on a worldwide basis, covering a broad spectrum of HR and leadership topics.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 480 locations in more than 70 countries. In 2013, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,000, generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion (USD 13.0 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

Dissemination of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

BRENNTAG (Holding) B.V., subsidiary of Brenntag AG, and The East Asiatic Company Ltd. A/S today agreed on a share purchase agreement about the acquisition of 100% of the shares of EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S, a provider of chemical distribution solutions in South and South East Asia. Selling company is the stock-listed The East Asiatic Company Ltd. A/S, a Copenhagen based Danish company. The agreed purchase price is EUR 160 million on a cash and debt free basis. With this acquisition, Brenntag significantly expands its market position in South and South East Asia. EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S covers with subsidiaries markets in nine countries with an established network of 27 distribution sites employing nearly 800 people.

The closing of the deal is expected in the course of July 2010. Brenntag expects significant benefits from the combination of the two operations. No merger control notification was necessary with regard to the acquisition.

NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITALY, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA OR JAPAN OR OTHER ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH OFFERS OR SALES OF THE SECURITIES WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW

This announcement is an advertisement and neither a prospectus nor an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including in or into the United States of America, Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which offers or sales of the securities would be prohibited by applicable law. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction.

Mülheim/Ruhr, November 25, 2015

Brenntag AG to issue a US Dollar 500 million senior unsecured bond with warrant units due 2022

Today the Management Board of Brenntag AG ("Brenntag") resolved, with approval from the Supervisory Board, to issue senior, unsecured bond with warrant units due 2022 (the "Units") with an intended issue size of US Dollar 500 million (the "Offering"). The Units comprise senior, unsecured, US Dollar denominated bonds in a denomination of US Dollar 250,000 (the "Bonds") and detachable unsecured, Euro denominated, physically settled warrants (the "Warrants"). With this specific debt instrument Brenntag benefits inter alia from attractive market opportunities for US Dollar funding. The proceeds from the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes including the financing of signed acquisitions.

The Bonds issued by Brenntag Finance B.V. and guaranteed by Brenntag AG will be complemented with Warrants issued by Brenntag AG. The Warrants provide for the option to acquire ordinary registered no-par-value shares (Stückaktien) of Brenntag AG against payment of the exercise price per Warrant in cash. The exact number of Shares per Warrant will be fixed depending on the exercise price and the underlying currency exchange rate at pricing.

The coupon is expected to be between 1.125% and 1.875% per annum payable semi-annually in arrear and the strike price per Share is expected to be between 40% and 50% above the volume weighted average price of the Brenntag-Share between launch and pricing. The coupon and the exercise price per share will be determined in an accelerated bookbuilding process. The Units and constituent Bonds and Warrants will carry a maturity of 7 years with the Warrants exercisable from 41 days post settlement until the 10th business day prior to maturity.

The Bond and Warrant components of Units may be split and detached from one another from settlement and re-attached thereafter. The Units, the Bonds detached from Warrants and the detached Warrants are expected to be traded on the Open Market segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Freiverkehr) upon application by Deutsche Bank AG.

The Offering will be made exclusively to institutional investors outside the U.S.. Pre-emptive rights of Brenntag AG shareholders are excluded. The final terms are expected to be announced later today via a separate press release with settlement of the Units is expected to take place on or around 2 December 2015.

None of the Issuer and Brenntag AG will request the Units or the constituent Bonds and Warrants to be rated by any rating agency.

BNP PARIBAS and Deutsche Bank AG are acting as Joint Global Co-ordinators and Joint Bookrunners in relation to the transaction (together, the "Bookrunners").

Disclaimer

The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness. No prospectus will be prepared in connection with the offering of the securities referred to herein. The securities referred to herein may not be offered to the public in any jurisdiction in circumstances which would require the Issuer, Brenntag or the Bookrunners or any of their respective affiliates, or any person acting on behalf of thereof, to prepare or register any prospectus or offering document relating to the securities referred to herein in such jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement and the offer and sale of the securities referred to herein may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This announcement does not contain or constitute or form part of, and should not be construed as, an offer or invitation to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities to any person in the United States, Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the laws of any state within the United States or under the applicable securities laws of Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, unless registered under the Securities Act or offered and sold in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the securities referred to herein in the United States, Italy, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan.

The offer referred to herein when made in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") which have implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "relevant member state"), is only addressed to and directed at persons who are "qualified investors" as defined in the Prospectus Directive ("Qualified Investors"). For these purposes, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in a relevant member state), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the relevant member state and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.

In the United Kingdom, this announcement is directed only at, Qualified Investors (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not relevant persons, and (ii) in any member state of the European Economic Area other than the United Kingdom, by persons who are not Qualified Investors.

This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Issuer's and Brenntag's current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Brenntag group's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

Each of the Issuer, Brenntag and the Bookrunners and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

No reliance may or should be placed by any person for any purposes whatsoever on the information contained in this announcement or on its completeness, accuracy or fairness. The information in this announcement is subject to change.

The date of admission of the Units, the bonds detached from warrants and the detached warrants to trading may be influenced by things such as market conditions. There is no guarantee that admission will occur and you should not base your financial decisions on the Issuer's or Brenntag's intentions in relation to admission at this stage. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the offering of the Units, the bonds detached from warrants and the detached warrants offering. The value of shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the offering relating to the Units, the bonds detached from warrants and the detached warrants for the person concerned.

Each Bookrunner is acting exclusively for the Issuer and Brenntag and no-one else in connection with the offering of the securities referred to herein. The Bookrunners will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to such offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Issuer and Brenntag for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, or for providing advice in relation to such securities, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

In connection with the offering of the securities referred to herein, each Bookrunner and any of its affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase the bonds and warrants or Brenntag shares and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such securities and any other securities of the Issuer, Brenntag or any related investments and may offer or sell such securities or other investments otherwise than in connection with the offering of the securities referred to herein. Each Bookrunner does not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

Neither the Bookrunners nor any of their directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Issuer, Brenntag or any its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

• Operating gross profit* rises by 7.9% (on a constant currency basis) to 678.0 million EUR
• Operating EBITDA** is up year on year (+5.0% on a constant currency basis) to 224.5 million EUR
• Profit after tax comes to 110.5 million EUR and earnings per share to 0.72 EUR
• Brenntag confirms its 2018 guidance, forecasting growth in its key performance indicators and operating EBITDA of between 870 and 900 million EUR

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted further growth in the third quarter of 2018, recording an increase in its two key performance indicators operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA**. In light of the generally sound performance, the Brenntag Group is confirming its forecast for full-year 2018.

Brenntag generated sales of 3,221.8 million EUR in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 12.1% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (+11.4% as reported). The operating gross profit achieved by the Group came to 678.0 million EUR, a rise of 7.9% on a constant currency basis (+7.2% as reported). Operating EBITDA rose by 5.0% compared with the good prior-year quarter on a constant currency basis (+3.9% as reported) to 224.5 million EUR.

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 100.8 million EUR to 110.5 million EUR in the third quarter of 2018. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.72 EUR (+10.8%).

At 150.4 million EUR, free cash flow was significantly higher than the prior-year figure (146.0 million EUR). Chemical prices continued to rise in the third quarter of 2018, leading to an increase in working capital.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “In the third quarter, we saw further growth in our existing business combined with positive contributions from our acquisitions. The business demonstrated resilience in a slightly more challenging environment. In light of this generally positive performance, we are confirming our guidance for full-year 2018, forecasting operating EBITDA of between 870 and 900 million EUR.”

EMEA lifts results
Brenntag EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) achieved operating gross profit of 285.0 million EUR in the third quarter of 2018, a rise of 7.2% on a constant currency basis (+5.7% as reported). Operating EBITDA grew by 8.1% on a constant currency basis (+5.8% as reported) to 95.9 million EUR. This was supported by a positive contribution from the recent acquisitions.

Further growth in North America
The companies in the North America region posted operating gross profit of 290.2 million EUR in the third quarter, a rise of 8.3% on a constant currency basis (+9.3% as reported). Operating EBITDA increased by 7.5% on a constant currency basis (+8.0% as reported) to 111.9 million EUR. Almost all customer industries contributed to this performance.

Brenntag Latin America holds its own in a volatile environment
In Latin America, Brenntag posted a good quarter in an economic environment that remains volatile. Operating gross profit in the region grew by 4.2% on a constant currency basis (0.2% as reported) to 42.1 million EUR. Operating EBITDA reached 11.2 million EUR, an increase of 13.0% on a constant currency basis (+5.7% as reported).

Slightly weaker quarter in Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Brenntag saw a slightly slower business performance in the third quarter of 2018. Operating gross profit rose by 14.3% on a constant currency basis (+12.5% as reported) to 57.5 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was down by 4.8% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (-5.3% as reported) to 17.8 million EUR. Brenntag is keeping to its strategy for the region and during the quarter invested in the expansion of infrastructure and human resources.

Forecast for 2018
In light of these results and the generally positive performance, Brenntag is confirming its guidance for full-year 2018, continuing to forecast clear growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA. The Group confirms that it expects operating EBITDA to be in the 870 to 900 million EUR range, assuming that exchange rates remain unchanged over the period to year-end.

*Operating gross profit is defined as sales less cost of goods sold.

**Since the third quarter of 2017, Brenntag has presented operating EBITDA before holding charges and special items. Holding charges are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, these effects net to zero. Brenntag is also adjusting operating EBITDA for income and expenses arising from special items so as to improve comparability in presenting the performance of its business operations over multiple reporting periods and explain it more appropriately. Special items are income and expenses outside ordinary activities that have a special and material effect on the results of operations, such as restructurings.

• Brenntag acquires in two steps Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd, a chemical distributor with expected sales of EUR 255 million in 2011
• Thereby Brenntag gains market access to China, the world’s fastest-growing chemical market, offering great business opportunities
• Zhong Yung is focused on the distribution of solvents with established commercial and logistical infrastructure in the key economic regions in China
• Management teams of Zhong Yung and Brenntag are looking forward to bundle the distribution knowledge and market penetration to capitalize further growth opportunities in the Chinese distribution market

Today Brenntag, global market leader in chemical distribution, signed a purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd. Deal closing for the first tranche is expected in the 3rd quarter of this year. Brenntag will hold a majority stake of 51% and will acquire the remaining stake in 2016. Entering into a joint venture for five years gives Brenntag the opportunity to use the experience and know-how of Zhong Yung and its management team to establish a solid business platform for Brenntag in China.

“This transaction strengthens Brenntag’s growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. This acquisition is a strategic investment for Brenntag in China and also a first step through which Brenntag demonstrates full commitment to build a solid distribution network in China. We are continuing to look for further opportunities to support our growth in Asia Pacific.” says Brenntag’s COO and designated CEO Steve Holland.

Henri Néjade, President of Brenntag Asia Pacific, highlights: “It is a significant milestone in Brenntag’s Asian business development following the successful acquisition of EAC Industrial Ingredients in 2010. We are delighted to team up with Zhong Yung because it opens the opportunity for further growth in China. Zhong Yung is a major chemical distributor with about 2,000 customers, more than 100 suppliers and has an excellent infrastructure including laboratories, blending and storage capabilities.”

Zhong Yung is a major chemical solvent distributor and serves all major solvents-applied industries such as paint and coatings, adhesives, printing inks, electronics and automotives with a large variety of solvent products. Zhong Yung has a strong national sales organization covering North, East and South of China representing a large geographical coverage of the total domestic solvents market demand in China. The company has a strong market position supported by its own high standard storage and blending facilities, empowering distribution value added services to its business partners in China. The company is estimated to generate sales of EUR 255 million in 2011.

For details on this transaction please visit our Investor Relations section.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in nearly 70 countries. In 2010 the company realized global sales of EUR 7.6 billion (USD 10.1 billion) with more than 12,000 employees.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Brenntag AG and other information currently available to the company. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Brenntag AG does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Last week, the Brenntag Cosmetics team participated in the Cosmetagora exhibition, a two day industry event held at the exhibition centre Espace Champerret, Paris, France, on 9-10 January 2018, where it presented its CLEAN, PURE & SIMPLE concept.

What does CLEAN, PURE & SIMPLE mean?

As the Cosmetics market is looking for less ingredients in the formulation, we created a formulation with less than 10 ingredients = SIMPLE

Most of the ingredients involved in the formulation of our Makeup Remover Stick are nature-based ingredients. The formulation for our Chantilly de Douche (Shower Whipped Cream) only contains ingredients certified by ECOCERT = PURE

Those two formulations are very trendy as they are useful as well as functional – you do not need water to use the stick and still are able to remove all kind of makeup.

The aeresol format of the shower whipped cream allows you to measure the exact amount of product you need to wash and moisturize your skin = CLEAN

More questions? Please contact our Brenntag Cosmetics Team!

• Operating EBITDA grew significantly by 17.7 % to EUR 158.1 million
• Gross profit increased by 15.2 % to EUR 434.4 million
• Profit after tax increased considerably to EUR 66.9 million
• Continued positive development in all regions and again outstanding results in Asia Pacific
• For FY 2011: Further growth in all relevant earnings parameters

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, successfully started into the financial year 2011 and reported growth in all key performance indicators. Drivers were the organic growth of the business, efficient cost structures as well as the contribution of the EAC Industrial Ingredients acquisition. Compared with last year's first quarter Brenntag increased sales by 22.7 % (20.6 % based on constant exchange rates) to EUR 2.13 billion (Q1 2010: EUR 1.73 billion). Gross profit* grew by 15.2 % (13.1 % based on constant exchange rates) reaching EUR 434.4 million (Q1 2010: EUR 377.0 million). Operating EBITDA rose by 17.7 % (15.6 % based on constant exchange rates) to EUR 158.1 million (Q1 2010: EUR 134.3 million). Brenntag's profit after tax of EUR 66.9 million in the first quarter increased exceptionally (Q1 2010: EUR 2.2 million), mainly due to decreased finance costs after last year's redemption of debt and significantly lower amortization.

All segments contributed to the positive development of Brenntag's results, Asia Pacific continued its outstanding performance of the recent quarters. Furthermore Latin America is again clearly on a growth track and generated pleasing results.

Stephen Clark, CEO of Brenntag: "The strong start into financial year 2011 with clear growth in all regions once again proves the success of our long-term aligned strategy which is focused on profitable growth. We are further on well positioned to benefit from the outsourcing activities in the chemical distribution industry and ready to seize the opportunities in selected customer industries such as water treatment, coatings, food or personal care."

Further growth in Europe
In Europe, Brenntag reported positive growth rates in the first quarter of 2011. Operating gross profit* increased compared to the reference period of the previous year by 7.7 % from EUR 211.5 million to EUR 227.7 million. Also, operating EBITDA improved by 11.4 % from EUR 70.4 million in the first quarter of 2010 to EUR 78.4 million in the first quarter of this year.

Ongoing positive results in North America
Brenntag North America continued its growth track and again reported double-digit growth in relevant earnings parameters. One of these key performance indicators, operating gross profit*, went up by 15.6 % from EUR 134.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 to EUR 155.7 million. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, the growth rate amounted to 13.6 %. Operating EBITDA also developed strongly and grew by 12.1 % to EUR 63.2 million in the first quarter (EUR 56.4 million in the first quarter of 2010). At constant exchange rates, operating EBITDA increased by 10.3%.

Latin America back on growth track
Latin America is again back on a clear growth track and reported strong positive growth rates in all relevant earnings parameters after Brenntag's results had been negatively influenced by unfavorable political developments and the finance policy in Venezuela last year. Brenntag Latin America improved operating gross profit* by 12.6 % from EUR 31.8 million in the first quarter of 2010 to now EUR 35.8 million. At constant exchange rates, the growth rate was 8.8 %. Operating EBITDA grew even more strongly by 16.8 % to EUR 11.8 million compared to EUR 10.1 million in the first quarter of 2010. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, Brenntag Latin America increased operating EBITDA by 13.5 %.

Continued strong growth in Asia Pacific backed by consolidation of EAC Group and the growth of the established Brenntag companies
Brenntag Asia Pacific continued its success story and reported again excellent results in the first quarter of financial year 2011. Operating gross profit* improved considerably from EUR 4.9 million in the first quarter of 2010 to EUR 19.9 million in the first quarter of 2011. This corresponds to a growth rate of more than four times the previous year's result and more than three times if adjusted for exchange rate effects. This excellent development was supported by the contribution of the companies of the EAC Group but also by the already established Brenntag companies which achieved a significant double-digit increase in operating gross profit as well. Similarly, operating EBITDA increased considerably and more than quadrupled from EUR 2.1 million in the first quarter of the previous year to EUR 9.8 million. At constant exchange rates, the growth in operating EBITDA also more than quadrupled. Overall, the positive business development in Asia Pacific was marked by the successful integration of EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S which was acquired by Brenntag in July 2010. The development of EAC's results is in line with Brenntag's expectations and strengthens the company's market position in Asia Pacific.

Significant growth of free cash flow more than offsets the increase in working capital
Brenntag significantly increased free cash flow compared to the first quarter of 2010 by 17.7 % to EUR 47.9 million. Main driver was the pleasing EBITDA growth of 22.9 % to EUR 157.9 million in the first quarter of this year. Working capital increased in comparison to year-end 2010 to EUR 904.5 million which was mainly attributable to higher business activity. The annualized working capital turnover rate slightly decreased from 10.7 in the first quarter 2010 to 9.8 in the reference period. This development is inter alia based on the fact that the acquired EAC Group has a turnover rate below the group average. At the same time, the strong growth of free cash flow overcompensated the increase in working capital and capital expenditures.

Prospects: Brenntag expects further growth in all relevant earnings parameters
Brenntag expects to grow in all relevant earnings parameters in local currency excluding exchange rate effects, by successfully pursuing its current strategy of taking over activities from chemical producers seeking outsourcing opportunities and expanding its geographical footprint through acquisitions. The organic growth of Brenntag is expected to be supported by further growth of the global economy. Organic growth and additional acquisitions will be the two drivers to further strengthen Brenntag's market leading position.

The segment "All other segments", which contains mainly activities that can not be assigned to a geographical segment, is not shown here.
* While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in nearly 70 countries. In 2010 the company realized global sales of EUR 7.6 billion (USD 10.1 billion) with more than 12,000 employees.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Brenntag AG and other information currently available to the company. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Brenntag AG does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

• Operating gross profit* grows to 688.2 million EUR (+4.4% on a constant currency basis)
• Operating EBITDA** reaches 238.8 million EUR (+12.0% on a constant currency basis and is mainly attributable to new requirements in the financial reporting standards)
• Three regions on a solid growth track; EMEA region negatively impacted by weak demand across the economy
• Free cash flow is well above the prior-year figure at 166.3 million EUR
• Profit after tax comes to 105.2 million EUR and earnings per share to 0.68 EUR

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted solid results in the first quarter of 2019. Its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA showed an increase at Group level. The growth in operating EBITDA is mainly attributable to the initial application of the new financial reporting standard IFRS 16 on leases. On operating level, a positive performance in the North America, Asia Pacific and Latin America regions contrasted with a weaker performance in the EMEA region that was due mainly to lower demand. In all the Group’s regions, the acquisitions made a positive contribution to earnings.

Sales in the first quarter of 2019 were up by 3.7% year on year on a constant currency basis (+7.0% as reported) to 3,182.3 million EUR. Brenntag’s key performance indicator operating gross profit reached 688.2 million EUR, an increase of 4.4% on a constant currency basis (+7.9% as reported). Operating EBITDA rose by 12.0% year on year at constant currency rates (+15.6% as reported) to reach 238.8 million EUR. The growth in operating EBITDA is mainly attributable to the initial application of the new financial reporting standard IFRS 16. The effect on Group operating EBITDA amounts to 27.4 million EUR in the first quarter.

Profit after tax was in line with the prior-year figure of 106.0 million EUR at 105.2 million EUR in the first quarter of 2019. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.68 EUR.

Free cash flow reached 166.3 million EUR, a significant increase on the prior-year figure (27.7 million EUR). The strong growth is due primarily to the lower increase in working capital compared with the first quarter of 2018.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “A slowdown in global economic momentum was already evident at the end of 2018 and, as expected, this trend impacted on our results in the first quarter of 2019. In our EMEA region in particular, we recorded decrease in demand, which are reflected in earnings. However, even amid these conditions, Brenntag achieved stable results overall due to our global diversification.”

Weak demand impacts on results in EMEA
The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) saw a continuation of the trend from the second half of 2018 and a further downturn in the market environment in the first quarter of 2019. Demand was correspondingly lower, while at the same time higher costs were recorded in key areas such as transport. Against this background, Brenntag EMEA generated operating gross profit on a par with the previous year (0.0% on a constant currency basis; -0.6% as reported) at 287.7 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 1.6% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (+0.4% as reported) to 101.8 million EUR.

Positive performance in North America continues
The North America region posted a good first quarter of 2019. The Brenntag North America companies once again reported growth in the two key performance indicators. Compared with the prior-year quarter, operating gross profit rose by 5.5% on a constant currency basis [+13.7% as reported) to 292.8 million EUR. Operating EBITDA reached 112.0 million EUR, an increase of 17.9% on a constant currency basis (+27.1% as reported).

Latin America delivers a good quarter in a still-volatile environment
In Latin America, we continued the positive performance from the second half of 2018. In this region, Brenntag generated operating gross profit of 42.6 million EUR in the first quarter of 2019, an increase of 8.7% on a constant currency basis (+12.4% as reported). Operating EBITDA grew by 40.2% on a constant currency basis (+42.0% as reported) to 11.5 million EUR. The region therefore showed good results with mainly organic growth in a challenging economic environment.

Asia Pacific continues to grow
The Brenntag companies in the Asia Pacific region achieved further growth, with both the existing business and the acquisitions making a positive contribution. Operating gross profit reached 60.4 million EUR, a rise of 18.0% on a constant currency basis (+23.5% as reported). Operating EBITDA was up by 18.1% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (+23.6% as reported) to 21.5 million EUR.

In light of the results and the performance from the regions in the first quarter, the Brenntag Group is confirming its outlook for financial year 2019 and expecting to see growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA, particularly in the second half of 2019. This takes into account the very difficult environment at present, especially in Europe, but does not assume a further slowdown.

*Operating gross profit is defined as sales less cost of goods sold.

**Since the third quarter of 2017, Brenntag has presented operating EBITDA before holding charges and special items. Holding charges are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, these effects net to zero. Brenntag is also adjusting operating EBITDA for income and expenses arising from special items so as to improve comparability in presenting the performance of its business operations over multiple reporting periods and explain it more appropriately. Special items are income and expenses outside ordinary activities that have a special and material effect on the results of operations, such as restructurings.

Brenntag strengthens strategic position and local presence in the growth region Asia Pacific with acquisition of expected EUR 220 million sales in 2010

Established network of 27 locations in nine countries, operated by nearly 800 employees, complements Brenntag’s existing distribution network

Purchase price is EUR 160 million on a cash and debt free basis

Brenntag, global market leader in chemical distribution, further expands its market position in the growth area Asia Pacific by acquiring 100% of the shares of EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S, a sizeable provider of chemical distribution solutions in South and South East Asia. Selling company is Copenhagen based The East Asiatic Company Ltd. A/S, a stock-listed Danish company. The purchase price is EUR 160 million on a cash and debt free basis. With the acquisition, Brenntag gains access to an established distribution network active in nine countries with exceptional growth potential.

With this major acquisition in South and South East Asia Brenntag reinforces its growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region. EAC Industrial Ingredients holds an important market share and covers with subsidiaries markets in nine countries with local presences in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, India and Bangladesh. In addition the high level of benefits between Brenntag and EAC Industrial Ingredients is expected to further enhance both customer service and access to world class suppliers. With extensive sales and marketing resources EAC Industrial Ingredients represents in-depth knowledge of local markets and relationships to more than 8,000 customers. For 2010 Brenntag expects sales of about EUR 220 million for EAC Industrial Ingredients.

“The acquisition of EAC Industrial Ingredients is a major step in the execution of Brenntag's growth strategy. We expand our existing presence in the growing markets of Asia Pacific, add significant market share and improve our market position in focused industries like Food & Beverage, Coatings, Personal Care and Pharma”, says Stephen Clark, CEO of Brenntag. “This strategic milestone develops our market position from a foothold in Asia to an established operational network, supporting our continued growth path in the region.”

The acquisition is a strategic investment for Brenntag. In the Asia Pacific region growing demand is expected in particular for sectors like Food, Cosmetics, Pharma and Coatings. Customers from these sectors are important for Brenntag. The knowledge of regional markets and their respective individual requirements will offer additional business opportunities and provides for synergies with existing Brenntag suppliers and customers. With the acquisition of EAC Industrial Ingredients Brenntag is one of the few companies operating in the whole region.

Henri Nejade, President of Brenntag Asia Pacific says: “We are delighted to acquire EAC Industrial Ingredients because it perfectly meets our requirements to further grow in this region. The acquisition will support our ability to better serve local demands in these fast-growing countries. I am convinced we will continue the Brenntag success story in Asia Pacific which is a major growth area for the global economy and consequently for Brenntag, too.”

Brenntag has already significant assets in Asia Pacific with 17 sites in 11 countries and the acquisition of EAC will increase the number of personnel in the region to about 1,000.

The Closing of the deal is expected in the course of July. EAC Industrial Ingredients’ existing team will continue their successful work under the Brenntag brand. Brenntag expects significant benefits from the combination of the two operations. No merger control notification was necessary with regard to the acquisition.


About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution (based on most recent market data). Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a vast supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop shop solutions to more than 150,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as technical services. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, Brenntag operates a global network with more than 400 locations in more than 60 countries. In 2009 the company realized global sales of EUR 6.4 billion (USD 8.9 billion) with approximately 11,000 people.


Press contact:
Hubertus Spethmann
Brenntag AG
Corporate Communications
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7701
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7220
E-Mail: hubertus.spethmann@brenntag.de
www.brenntag.com


Investor contact:
Georg Müller, Stefanie Steiner
Brenntag AG
Investor Relations
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7653
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7755
E-Mail: IR@brenntag.de
www.brenntag.com

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, is expanding its business in the UK food ingredients distribution market by acquiring Kluman and Balter Limited and A1 Cake Mixes Limited. The companies specialize in the distribution of a comprehensive range of bakery ingredients as well as a large variety of bakery and confectionary mixes.

Karsten Beckmann, Member of the Management Board and CEO Brenntag Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): “With this acquisition, Brenntag UK & Ireland will significantly strengthen its footprint in the country’s very attractive food & nutrition sector that is one of our focus industries in EMEA. The companies provide value-added services that perfectly complement Brenntag’s proposition to customers including new product development and technical competence and support based on deep insight in market requirements and trends.”

The companies provide important services in the bakery supply chain, connecting a diverse range of over 2,000 ingredients across commodities, higher-value items, own brand products and niche or bespoke ingredients (e.g. mixes). A designated New Product Development team offers technical product support and provides full product demonstrations, introducing new ideas and helping customers maximise growth potential.

Anthony Gerace, Brenntag Group’s Managing Director Mergers & Acquisitions: “The UK bakery ingredients and cake mixes market is expected to continue to grow, benefiting from positive consumer trends such as increasing demand for gluten, lactose or other free-from goods. In addition, the companies focus on higher value products and channels like artisanal bakers, in-store bakeries and foodservice thus creating further growth potential.”

The business is expected to generate total sales of approximately 77.5 million GBP in the financial year 2017. Gross profit 2017 is estimated to amount to 14.7 million GBP with a normalized EBITDA of around 9.3 million GBP. The business is valued at an Enterprise Value of 72.0 million GBP.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, today announces an expansion of its lubricants business in North America by signing agreements to acquire two leading distributors J.A.M. Distributing Company, LLC, and related entities, headquartered in Houston, Texas, and G.H. Berlin-Windward, headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire.

J.A.M. and G.H. Berlin-Windward are distributing across the entire lubricant supply chain in a broad range of customer industries. Both companies offer integrated product and service solutions focused on a wide range of lubricants servicing to industrial, commercial, automotive, and marine end markets throughout the Gulf Coast, Texas and the northeast United States respectively.

Steven Holland, CEO Brenntag Group: “Both acquisitions are a significant investment in rebalancing our industry mix in North America and complement our existing business in the less volatile lubricants market. This represents a strategic review and shift to counteract the structural change in oil & gas earnings in North America.”

Markus Klähn, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag North America: “Both companies are valuable additions to our existing business in the lubricants distribution market which is attractive in terms of size, growth and profitability. Moreover, the market is still very fragmented. Together, J.A.M. and G.H. Berlin-Windward will be an excellent platform for growth in this consolidating market. They will further diversify our industry portfolio and solidify our strong market position in lubricant distribution in North America.”

The combined companies are expected to contribute sales of approximately 780 million USD in the financial year 2016. Gross profit 2016 is expected to amount to approximately 127 million USD with an expected EBITDA of about 50 million USD. The investment for both acquisitions totals 440 million USD. The closing of the transactions will occur in the course of the next weeks, subject to contractually agreed closing conditions.

• Operating gross profit* rises by 7.5% (on a constant currency basis) to 2,660.9 million EUR
• Operating EBITDA** reaches 875.5 million EUR (+8.4% on a constant currency basis)
• All Group regions contribute to the growth
• Free cash flow is up year on year to 525.2 million EUR
• Earnings per share rise by 27.4% to 2.98 EUR, their highest level since the stock market flotation in 2010
• A further increase in the dividend to 1.20 EUR per share (+9.1%) to be proposed
• For 2019, Brenntag forecasts further growth in a more challenging economic environment

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted a good financial year 2018. Its two key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA both showed a clear increase due primarily to good organic growth. All Group regions contributed to the growth, with North America in particular delivering a very strong rise in earnings. The acquisitions also made the sound contribution to earnings that had been anticipated.

Sales amounted to 12,550.0 million EUR in financial year 2018, a year-on-year increase of 10.2% on a constant currency basis (+6.9% as reported). Operating gross profit, an especially important metric for Brenntag, rose by 7.5% on a constant currency basis (+4.2% as reported) to 2,660.9 million EUR. Operating EBITDA also increased, rising by 8.4% year on year on a constant currency basis (+4.7% as reported) to 875.5 million EUR. All performance indicators therefore reached all-time highs. The positive contribution to earnings from the sale of the non-core business unit Brenntag Biosector A/S, Denmark, was reported below operating EBITDA together with other non-operating items affecting net income.

The Brenntag Group’s free cash flow amounted to 525.2 million EUR in financial year 2018, an increase of 19.3% on the prior-year figure (440.3 million EUR). Besides the rise in operating EBITDA, this is due to the lower increase in working capital compared with financial year 2017.

A further increase in the dividend to be proposed

Profit after tax came to 462.3 million EUR in financial year 2018 and was therefore well above the prior-year figure of 362.0 million EUR. At 2.98 EUR, earnings per share were at their highest level since the stock market flotation in 2010. On this basis, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of 1.20 EUR per share (2017: 1.10 EUR) at the General Shareholders’ Meeting on June 13, 2019. By increasing the payout by 9.1%, Brenntag is continuing its policy of paying a higher dividend each year, thereby allowing shareholders to participate appropriately in the company’s growth. The payout ratio is 40.2% of profit after tax attributable to Brenntag shareholders.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “2018 was a year of good growth for Brenntag. We grew in all regions and lifted operating EBITDA to an all-time high. Our large region North America, which delivered a very good, broad-based performance, is particularly worthy of note. In the EMEA region, the internal initiatives geared to increasing efficiency delivered results in financial year 2018. We also continued to systematically execute our acquisition strategy and expand our presence and offering in attractive regions and industries during the past year. This, too, resulted in positive contributions to earnings.”

EMEA increases earnings

Brenntag EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) achieved a clear increase in earnings in financial year 2018, supported in part by the internal initiatives and programmes that have been implemented. Brenntag EMEA generated operating gross profit of 1,141.2 million EUR in 2018, a year-on-year increase of 5.5% on a constant currency basis (+4.2% as reported). Operating EBITDA rose by 7.2% on a constant currency basis (+5.4% as reported) to 385.5 million EUR. In the first half of 2018 in particular, the business achieved good organic growth, which became more difficult as the year progressed due to an economic slowdown and tougher conditions in the region.

North America posts a very good year

In the North America region, Brenntag posted a very good financial year 2018. The high growth achieved across virtually all customer industries was almost entirely organic. Operating gross profit grew by 8.9% on a constant currency basis (+4.1% as reported) to 1,118.3 million EUR. Operating EBITDA rose to 409.6 million EUR, an increase of 11.2% on a constant currency basis (+6.4% as reported).

Earnings in Latin America increase slightly as markets remain volatile

In 2018, Brenntag’s business in Latin America continued to be impacted by the generally challenging and volatile economic environment in the region. The situation stabilized in the second half of the year, however. Overall, Brenntag posted a positive development of the business performance at constant currency rates. At 163.1 million EUR, operating gross profit was up by 1.9% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (-5.4% as reported). Operating EBITDA came to 39.9 million EUR, an increase of 2.3% on a constant currency basis (-5.9% as reported).

Asia Pacific remains on a growth track

Asia Pacific is still the region that offers the greatest growth potential for Brenntag. The company is therefore optimizing its network in the region and continuously expanding its range of products and services, for example by making an acquisition in India in the reporting period. Further earnings growth was posted in 2018. Operating gross profit came to 224.2 million EUR, a year-on-year increase of 17.2% on a constant currency basis (+12.8% as reported). Operating EBITDA rose by 9.4% on a constant currency basis (+5.7% as reported) to 77.9 million EUR.

Forecast for 2019: Further growth in a more challenging economic environment

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “Current developments and forecasts show that more challenging economic conditions can be expected at both global and regional level in 2019. In this environment, we will demonstrate our resilience and continue to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace. In doing so, we will benefit from our broad footprint. We also expect impetus from our new approach for customers in the food and nutrition industry, where we repositioned ourselves in the reporting period so as to leverage the potential in this attractive segment.”

In a more challenging economic environment, Brenntag expects to see growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA in financial year 2019.

*Operating gross profit is defined as sales less cost of goods sold.

**Since the third quarter of 2017, Brenntag has presented operating EBITDA before holding charges and special items. Holding charges are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, these effects net to zero. Brenntag is also adjusting operating EBITDA for income and expenses arising from special items so as to improve comparability in presenting the performance of its business operations over multiple reporting periods and explain it more appropriately. Special items are income and expenses outside ordinary activities that have a special and material effect on the results of operations, such as restructurings.

Brenntag Pharma Europe will present its products and services at the CPhI Worldwide 2009 in Madrid, October 13-15, 2009 in Madrid (hall 7, booth 7G21).

The CPhI Worldwide is one of the largest trade fairs for pharmaceutical ingredients and allied industries in Europe with 1,430 companies attending. This year the event is likely to be visited by 25,000 industry professionals.

Brenntag Pharma Europe is committed to facing the industry’s challenges with specialized people and an extensive product and service portfolio business partners can rely on. The CPhI is an ideal platform to show our commitment in marketing new products, product development, sales and distribution activities in all segments of the pharmaceutical industry.

Visit us at the CPhI Worldwide 2009 in Madrid. The Brenntag Pharma Europe team will welcome you to answer all your questions.

Brenntag North America, Inc., part of Brenntag Group, the global market leader in chemical distribution, announces a new collaboration with Silvateam for the exclusive distribution of Pectin in United States & Canada.

Silvateam has dedicated over 160 years to plant-based extracts. Located in Northern Italy, Silvateam produces products used in a large range of applications such as food, beverages, and animal health and nutrition.

Brenntag North America has been appointed the exclusive distributor in North America for the distribution of the Silvateam Pectin Line:

• Aglupectin™

“We are excited about our new relationship with Silvateam and the continued expansion of our value- added, functional ingredient options. The combination of our Food & Nutrition team, new food application lab, and Silvateam’s technical expertise position us well to provide quick solutions to our customer’s formulation questions when using pectins,” stated Larry Davis, Marketing Director, Brenntag North America.

Brenntag will focus on Silvateam’s versatile, clean label, pectin products. Pectin is a natural product widely used for its gel formation, thickening, and stabilizing properties in a variety of applications. Applications include fruit juices, jams, marmalades, dairy, confectionary, and bakery.

“Silvateam is a fast-growing company with an excellent reputation in the industry. We are excited to work alongside Brenntag North America to promote our range of specialty pectin,” said Alessandro Di Mase, CEO of Silvateam. “Brenntag’s strong technical expertise, service orientation, and sales team offer the market our tailor-made solutions for texture, mouthfeel, viscosity, flavor release, and suspension.”

About Silvateam:

Silvateam is a family owned company widely renowned for over 160 years of successful history within the world of plant extracts. Silvateam Food Ingredients manufactures an extensive range of products for the food and beverage industry including pectins (Aglupectin™), tara gum (Aglumix 01®), texturising systems (Aglutex™), and food grade tannins / tannic acids (Tan’Activ™). Thanks to its flexible manufacturing system the company offers customer-oriented solutions. A high level of customer support is made possible by our extensive expertise and in-house research capabilities, our broad application knowledge and creativity. Silvateam provides to its customers a high level of technical comfort throughout the entire products lifecycle.

For more information on Silvateam, please visit https://www.silvateam.com/en/.

Aglumix 01® is trademarked by Silvateam.

Press contact for Brenntag North America:

Barbara Nothstein
Brenntag North America, Inc
USA - 5083 Pottsville Pike Reading, PA 19605
Telephone: +1 (610) 916-3858
E-Mail: brenntag@brenntag.com
www.brenntag.com/north-america

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has agreed to acquire SurtiQuímicos S.A., a distributor of specialty chemicals headquartered in Bogotá, Colombia. The company operates with facilities in Bogotá and Medellín. Main business focus is the distribution of specialty chemical products and formulations into the paint, food, textile and construction industries.

German Torres, COO Brenntag Latin America: “The acquisition is in line with our strategy to increase the specialty chemicals market penetration in Latin America. With SurtiQuímicos we will acquire a well-established business platform for the further development of our current portfolio in Colombia. Brenntag thereby expands its supplier relations and strengthens its position as an important player in the paint and food ingredients markets notably.”

With the acquisition Brenntag will add capabilities with SurtiQuímicos’ state-of-the-art labs and the expertise of its technicians for various industry applications.

For the financial year 2014 the acquired business is expected to generate sales of USD 16.1 million. Gross Profit in 2014 is expected to amount to USD 5.3 million with a normalized EBITDA of USD 2.1 million. The investment amount will be USD 17.4 million. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the course of the next weeks.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 480 locations in more than 70 countries. In 2013, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,000, generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion (USD 13.0 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

• All-time highs for gross profit* and operating EBITDA**
• Gross profit* of EUR 2,027.5 million (+4.8% on a constant currency basis)
  Operating EBITDA** amounts to EUR 726.7 million (+4.3% on a constant currency basis)
• Earnings per share remain stable at EUR 2.20 and support dividend proposal of EUR 0.90 per share (+3.8% on previous year)
• Positive outlook for 2015: further growth and improvement in all relevant earnings parameters are expected
  

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, reports a strong 2014 financial year. All-time highs were recorded for gross profit* and operating EBITDA**, which are key performance indicators for the Group. The strengths of the resilient business model are once again demonstrated in an economic environment which remains somewhat challenging.

Sales totaled EUR 10,015.6 million. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, this represents an increase of 3.2% (2.5% as reported). Gross profit* reached EUR 2,027.5 million, and thereby increased to an all-time high. This represents a year-on-year increase of 4.8% on a constant currency basis (4.2% as reported).

Operating EBITDA** also reached a record high in the reporting year: it amounted to EUR 726.7 million. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, this represents growth of 4.3% (4.1% as reported) compared to the previous year. The result is slightly above the company’s guidance of EUR 700 million to EUR 720 million.

Attractive dividend proposal
At EUR 339.7 million, the profit after tax slightly exceeded the previous year’s level. Earnings per share remained stable at EUR 2.20. On this basis and considering the strong cash flow, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose to the General Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on June 9, 2015 that a dividend per share of EUR 0.90 be paid, a moderate increase on the previous year (+3.8%). The payout ratio amounts to 41.0% of the net result attributable to Brenntag shareholders.

Steven Holland, CEO of Brenntag, commented: “In view of an economic environment characterized by only moderate recovery, we are satisfied with the results for the 2014 financial year. We have seen a positive trend especially in terms of gross profit with all regions contributing to this growth. In 2014, we invested in a number of growth initiatives that have started to contribute during the year and will support further growth in 2015.”

Europe turns on a growth track
Brenntag’s Europe region recorded a very good 2014 financial year due to the combination of both growth and efficiency measures. The operating gross profit* increased in every quarter and amounted to EUR 972.0 million at the end of the year. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, this represents an increase of 4.3% on the previous year (4.5% as reported). Operating EBITDA** also benefited from this improvement. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, it increased by 12.4% (12.9% as reported) compared to the previous year and came in at EUR 335.9 million.

North America sees positive trend in operating gross profit
Business in North America benefited from the economic environment. Operating gross profit* increased significantly and amounted to EUR 802.2 million. This represents growth of 6.0% (5.1% as reported) on a constant currency basis. With EUR 323.6 million the operating EBITDA was flat despite the gross profit growth. This was mainly due to bad weather, build-up of resources in the Oil & Gas business and increasing transport costs. Adjusted for exchange rate effects, the operating EBITDA was slightly (0.2%) lower than in the previous year (-0.6% as reported).

Growth in Latin America curbed by difficult macroeconomic environment
In 2014, the business in Latin America suffered due to the region’s ongoing challenging economic conditions. However, momentum was positive in the fourth quarter with an improved earnings situation. Operating gross profit* in 2014 increased by 6.1% (3.6% as reported) compared to the previous year due to exchange rate effects and amounted to EUR 169.5 million. At the end of the reporting year, operating EBITDA** totaled EUR 46.8 million and was therefore 2.9% higher than in the previous year on a constant currency basis (-0.4% as reported).

Asia Pacific shows positive trend in the fourth quarter
The growth in the Asia Pacific region was muted due to the political situation in Thailand and the decline in the economic activity in Australia. On a constant currency basis, operating gross profit* amounted to EUR 120.7 million at the end of the year. This represents a growth of 1.9% on a constant currency basis compared to the previous year (-0.8% as reported). Adjusted for exchange rate effects, operating EBITDA** decreased by 13.1% (-13.3% as reported) compared to the previous year and amounted to EUR 41.2 million. In order to strengthen its sales in this rapidly growing region in the medium and long term and to expand its market position, in 2014 Brenntag invested in the development of its local management and infrastructure, which had an impact on the cost base. These necessary measures have now been completed, and the trend for the fourth quarter of 2014 was positive overall, including a sequential improvement in Brenntag’s Chinese joint venture.

Free cash flow at stable level
In the 2014 financial year, the Brenntag Group’s free cash flow amounted to EUR 521.6 million (2013: EUR 543.4 million). This slight decrease is attributable to an increase in working capital as well as a small increase in capital expenditures for growth projects in the Group.

Brenntag set for further growth in 2015
Brenntag’s CEO, Steven Holland, commented: “The mixture of organic and acquisitive growth has established a solid foundation in order to continue to expand our leading global position in chemical distribution. Our business performance shows clear signs of continuous improvement. We will continue to make appropriate investments in our existing infrastructure as well as in growth projects. Brenntag is a strong global brand, ‘connecting chemistry’ to hundreds of thousands of users worldwide.”

The development of the last few years demonstrates that Brenntag’s business fundamentals remain robust and provide a strong platform for future growth. According to a forecast by the International Monetary Fund, the global economy, measured in terms of GDP, is likely to grow in 2015 at rates slightly higher than in 2014. Brenntag should benefit from this trend. The Group expects to see all relevant earnings parameters grow in 2015.

* While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.
**Brenntag’s segments are primarily controlled on the basis of operating EBITDA, which is the operating profit/loss as recorded in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets as well as depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property, adjusted for the following items:
• Transaction costs: Costs connected with restructuring under com¬pany law and refi-nancing. They are eliminated for purposes of manage¬ment reporting to permit proper presentation of the operating perform¬ance and comparability on segment level.
• Holding charges: Certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. On Group level they net to zero.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, covers all major markets with its extensive product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 490 locations in 72 countries. In 2014, the company, which has a global workforce of more than 13,500, generated sales of EUR 10.0 billion (USD 13.3 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to around 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technology, an extensive technical support and value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. Long-standing experience and local excellence in the individual countries characterize the global market leader for chemical distribution.

The company headquarters of Brenntag AG, Brenntag Holding GmbH and Brenntag GmbH will move from Mülheim to Essen, Germany.

Please note our new central contact details as of November 13, 2017:

Messeallee 11, 45131 Essen
P.O. Box 10 04 61, 45004 Essen
Germany
Tel. +49 201 6496-0
Fax +49 201 6496-1010

During our move on November 10 and 17, 2017, the accessibility of your direct contact may be limited as our telephone system and network components will also be moved.

Brenntag Food & Nutrition has signed an agreement with Axiom Foods for the distribution of its plant-based products in EMEA, excluding UK & Ireland. Axiom Foods headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, USA, is specialized in plant-based ingredients, such as rice and pea proteins.

“Axiom’s sustainable product portfolio will reinforce our position in the vegetable proteins business. The plant-based products have an important role in vegetarian, vegan as well as allergen-free applications, functional food and bakery. This agreement is an important step for us into the continuously growing plant-based food industry which has a promising future ahead”, states Frank Haven, Vice President Food & Nutrition EMEA.

“For us Brenntag Food & Nutrition is the ideal distribution partner in Europe. With its application expertise and local presence throughout EMEA, this agreement offers us the extension of our market reach in a region where we are just starting to establish our high-quality, clean-label product portfolio”, says David Jay Janow, President of Axiom Foods.

Axiom’s current plant-based, product portfolio includes patented proteins (rice, pea, etc.); rice and oat dairy alternatives, rice sugar, and pea starch, which are used in meat and dairy analogues, snacks, cereals, baked goods, frozen desserts, as well as nutritional powders, beverages and bars.

About Brenntag Food & Nutrition:
Brenntag Food & Nutrition, part of the Brenntag Group, is a leading provider of food ingredients to the marketplaces around the globe. We built a reputation of partnering with the best suppliers of ingredients and additives and deliver right to our customers’ needs and requirements. With more than 750 dedicated employees, a presence in 76 countries and 28 application and development centers, Brenntag Food & Nutrition provides technical expertise, tailor-made formulation and application solutions, a broad portfolio of specialty and commodity ingredients and profound industry know-how in the segments meat, poultry & fish processing, bakery & bread, dairy & ice cream, beverages, chocolate & confectionary, convenience food and fruit & vegetable processing. Brenntag Food & Nutrition makes its business partners “Sense the difference”.
For more information, please visit www.brenntag.com/food-nutrition

About Axiom Foods:
On the cutting edge of plant-based food technology, we’re involved in clinical trials, education and affecting change in the global food supply. Developing sophisticated, sustainable nutrient dense ingredient solutions for sustainable, human nutrition, Axiom brings compassion to the food business by showing that animals are no longer necessary to build muscle. We’re at the forefront of pea and rice protein becoming the new meat.

Press contact:
Svenja Konradt
Brenntag Food & Nutrition
Messeallee 11
45131 Essen
Germany
Telephone: +49 (201) 6496-1479
E-Mail: svenja.konradt@brenntag.de
www.brenntag.com/food-nutrition

Today Brenntag, global market leader in chemical distribution, completed the acquisition of the entire business of the ISM/Salkat Group. This strategic acquisition significantly expands Brenntag’s market position in Australia and New Zealand and enlarges the existing specialty product portfolio in the region. ISM/Salkat Group is a leading distributor of specialty chemicals in Australia and New Zealand.

Steven Holland, CEO Brenntag Group: “By acquiring the ISM/Salkat Group we make a significant step in building up the capability of Brenntag’s network in Australia and New Zealand. We look forward to working together with the highly experienced management team of the ISM/Salkat Group in order to further position Brenntag as a full-line chemical distributor with an extensive and competitive platform in Asia-Pacific.

ISM/Salkat Group is a specialty chemical distributor with a broad range of products servicing diverse industry segments in partnership with some of the world’s largest manufacturers of chemical products. It has a strong and highly experienced management team.

The ISM/Salkat Group expects sales of AUD 117 million.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in 68 countries. In 2011 the company realized global sales of EUR 8.7 billion (USD 12.1 billion) with nearly 13,000 employees.

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has officially founded Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Following the merger of the separate operating entities Lionheart, Plastichem, Multilube and Warren Chem Specialities, Brenntag South Africa has officially been launched on October 1, 2017. The business includes chemical distribution and services in Life Science (food, nutrition, pharma and personal care), Material Science (plastics, rubbers, polymers and lubricants) as well as Industrial Sales and Services.

Michael Thomson, President Brenntag Africa: “The new company has a focused commercial set-up, specifically tailored to Customer Industry Sectors and leveraging on the expertise and skills of the former individual companies, ensuring that the business is strategically and operationally better positioned to realize growth. Bringing the individual companies together has allowed for the development of a customer centered approach, aided by dedicated Product Management, strengthened departments for Safety, Quality & Regulatory Affairs and more streamlined and efficient Operations functions.”

Carl Blomme, Regional President Brenntag Europe West and MEA: "The new structure is a perfect commercial organization leveraging our expertise to serve our valued customers and suppliers. It is of mutual benefit to both employees and the company. Due to our performance excellence culture, our focused organization will create an environment where individuals can develop and where we can assure delivering the best services to our business partners.”

Brenntag South Africa is one of the leading chemical distributors for Specialty Chemicals in the southern African region. The new company has about 180 employees and locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

Brenntag, the global leader in chemical distribution, inaugurates a new location in Hong Kong. In addition to the entry into the Asian Pacific market in September 2008, the company further expands its presence in Asia.

Henri Néjade, President Brenntag Asia Pacific: “The inauguration of our new Hong Kong location enables us to access to the Pearl River Delta in the South of China, one of the important economic zones. Furthermore it marks a considerable complement to Brenntag’s international distribution network.”

Brenntag in Hong Kong will serve various market sectors like the Food or Polymers industries and will act as chemical distributor for companies such as Rhodia or Roquette.

Brenntag recorded global 2008 sales of EUR 7.4 billion (USD 10.8 billion). Today the company operates in excess of 300 locations with more than 11,000 people in 64 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.

• Operating EBITDA of EUR 602.6 million grew by 25.5% over 2009 and exceeds guidance range of EUR 570 - 600 million
• Sales and gross profit increased significantly as well
• Profit before tax improved to EUR 231.8 million (2009: EUR 47.1 million)
• Profit after tax was at EUR 146.6 million (2009: EUR 0.5 million)
• Strong free cash flow allows for further internal and external growth
• 2011 outlook is positive

Based on preliminary, unaudited numbers, Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), world market leader in chemical distribution, will conclude the financial year 2010 with record results. The drivers were the organic growth of the operating business with increased efficiencies of the cost and asset base, the improved capital structure as well as the earnings contribution of acquisitions.

Sales increased by 20.2% (15.3% based on constant exchange rates) from EUR 6,364.6 million in 2009 to EUR 7,649.1 million in 2010. Main reasons were stronger volumes and higher selling prices. More important, Brenntag managed to increase gross profit by 12.1% (7.6% based on constant exchange rates) to EUR 1,636.4 million (2009: EUR 1,459.5 million). Operating EBITDA showed an even stronger increase, rising by 25.5% (20.2% based on constant exchange rates) to EUR 602.6 million (2009: EUR 480.3 million). Brenntag exceeded its guidance range of EUR 570 - 600 million for operating EBITDA in 2010 and marked another record year.

Stephen Clark, CEO: “Our entire organization’s focus on intense customer orientation, with emphasis on providing our customers with value-added services, continued to result in increased gross profit generation. When combined with our efficient cost structures, operating EBITDA grew at an even higher rate to the ultimate benefit of our shareholders. The long-term growth and resiliency characteristics of our business model have both been demonstrated in the past two years. 2009 highlighted the resiliency while 2010 resumed our historical growth path.”

Profit before tax in 2010 showed a remarkable development, increasing from EUR 47.1 million in 2009 to EUR 231.8 million in 2010 (+392.1%). In addition to the significant growth in operating EBITDA, profit before tax grew due to noticeably lowered interest costs resulting from the improved capital structure and reduction in debt after the IPO in March 2010. The full-year effect of these improvements will show in the financial result for 2011. In addition to the positive effects from the growth of business and the improved capital structure, a decreased customer base amortization had a positive impact.

Profit after tax was at EUR 146.6 million in 2010 (2009: EUR 0.5 million). Brenntag will propose a dividend for approval by the general shareholders’ meeting when the Annual Report for 2010 is published.

Investments in non-current assets (Capex) returned to normalized levels of EUR 85.1 million. Due to an active working capital management the increase in working capital was limited to EUR 136.4 million despite a strong increase in business activity. In 2009, significantly reduced sales revenues resulted in a liquidity inflow from changes in working capital, an effect that has partly been inverted by rising business activity in 2010. In total, these effects yielded in a free cash flow of EUR 376.1 million.

With the background of a growing world economy and the continuation of the positive trends in the chemical distribution industry, Brenntag expects a continued positive earnings development in 2011. The company plans to grow all relevant earnings parameters. Financial result will improve further due to the full effect of the debt redemptions made in 2010. Amortization will decrease significantly, as the amortization of customer relationships and similar rights, capitalized in the course of the purchase price allocation made in September 2006, when the Brenntag Group was indirectly acquired by funds advised by BC Partners, GSMP and Bain Capital, was completed in September 2010.

Brenntag will publish its Annual Report for 2010 on March 24, 2011.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a vast supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to more than 150,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim/Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in over 60 countries.

All figures for 2010 are preliminary, have not been audited and have not been reviewed by the Supervisory Board. This information may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Brenntag AG and other information currently available to the company. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Brenntag AG does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contact for the press:
Hubertus Spethmann
Brenntag AG
Corporate Communications
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7701
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7220
E-Mail: hubertus.spethmann@brenntag.de


Contact for investors:
Georg Müller, Stefanie Steiner, Diana Alester
Brenntag AG
Investor Relations
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7653
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7755
E-Mail: ir@brenntag.de

Brenntag is not aware of the composition of the implant filling called the "PIP mix" in the media. It is still unclear to this day to what extent the products delivered by Brenntag have been at all used in the implants.
If the silicone oils delivered under the product name of Baysilone are part of the PIP breast implants, they could only have made their way into the implant through intentional criminal and improper use by the French manufacturer Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP), as the oils had been clearly classified as intended for industrial use only.
Silicone oils can be sold without restrictions – for suppliers there is no legal requirement to monitor subsequent use. Monitoring by suppliers is also unusual because the confidentiality of proprietary formulations and production processes is common practice across many sectors.
PIP introduced itself as a broadly positioned healthcare provider that also manufactures and sells various medical devices globally in addition to implants. As far as we are aware, the product range included scab and prosthesis cushions, for instance. As a result, there was no evidence suggesting that the products delivered by Brenntag could be intended for use in the human body.
In addition, medical device manufacturers are subject to government supervision. Brenntag could therefore assume that PIP, a leading certified provider of medical devices, would be supervised accordingly by the French health authorities. As far as we are aware, the French health authority Afssaps never found fault with PIP and its products during the entire delivery period.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in nearly 70 countries. In 2010 the company realized global sales of EUR 7.6 billion (USD 10.1 billion) with more than 12,000 employees.

• Gross profit* increases to EUR 557.3 million, with growth of 15.2% (as reported)
• Operating EBITDA** rises by 22.2% (as reported) to EUR 195.0 million
• Profit after tax amounts to EUR 91.2 million, while earnings per share reach EUR 0.59
• All of the Group’s regions contribute to this strong earnings growth
  

In the first quarter of 2015, Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, realized clear growth on the previous year’s figures, both in terms of its gross profit* and operating EBITDA**. All regions contributed to this positive development.

Sales amounted to EUR 2,573.9 million, an increase of 6.5% on the previous year (as reported). Gross profit*, which is significantly more important for an evaluation of our earnings development, rose in the first quarter of 2015 by 15.2% as reported to EUR 557.3 million (+4.3% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA** realized a significant increase of 22.2% as reported (+9.7% on a constant currency basis) and amounted to EUR 195.0 million.

Profit after tax totalled EUR 91.2 million in the first quarter of 2015. This represents earnings per share for Brenntag’s shareholders of EUR 0.59, which is clearly higher than the figure of EUR 0.45 for the same quarter in the previous year.

Free cash flow more than doubled to EUR 161.0 million in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014 (EUR 71.3 million).

Steven Holland, CEO of Brenntag AG, comments: “Our company has made a strong start to the 2015 financial year. In a macroeconomic environment characterized by moderate recovery, in the first quarter of 2015 we achieved growth in our key financial metrics. Our operating EBITDA in particular substantially exceeded the level realized in the previous year. All of our regions have contributed to this positive development.”

Europe maintains positive trend
In the first quarter of 2015, Brenntag’s European region posted external sales of EUR 1,162.9 million. Operating gross profit* increased by 5.0% on the previous year to EUR 256.4 million (+3.1% on a constant currency basis). At EUR 88.2 million, operating EBITDA** rose by 8.6% on the same quarter in 2014 (+6.4% on a constant currency basis). Brenntag Europe thus continued on the previous year’s positive performance path, which is set against a stable to improving macroeconomic environment.

North America reports favourable growth
External sales in the North America region amounted to EUR 902.2 million in the first quarter of 2015. At EUR 227.8 million, operating gross profit* increased by 24.9% (+3.9% on a constant currency basis). The region posted operating EBITDA** of EUR 87.9 million, which represents growth on the previous year of 33.6% (+10.8% on a constant currency basis). This favourable increase is attributable to internal cost management as well as to the significant growth of gross profit.

Positive earnings in Latin America
The Latin America region posted favourable earnings for the first quarter of 2015. External sales reached EUR 235.2 million. Operating gross profit* increased to EUR 49.7 million. This represents an increase of 32.2% on the same quarter in the previous year (+15.0% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA** also increased strongly: +46.7% to EUR 15.4 million (+29.4% on a constant currency basis). Brenntag Latin America is well positioned to operate in continuously challenging macroeconomic conditions, as seen in the region.

Asia Pacific realizes positive trend
The Asia Pacific region generated external sales of EUR 194.8 million. Operating gross profit** increased to a total of EUR 33.4 million, an increase of 20.1% (+1.8% on a constant currency basis). At EUR 11.1 million, operating EBITDA** rose by 30.6% on the previous year (+11.0% on a constant currency basis). This positive trend also reflects Brenntag’s improved cost efficiency throughout the region.

Brenntag confirms positive outlook for 2015
On the basis of this positive first quarter, Brenntag is encouraged by the underlying macroeconomic environment and expects to see continuous growth in all regions.

1) The figures for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2014 have been adjusted owing to the first-time application of IFRIC 21 (Levies); operating expenses have been increased and EBITDA has been decreased, both by EUR 4.4 million.
2) As part of a stock split, the number of shares was increased in the third quarter of 2014 from 51.5 million to 154.5 million. The earnings per share refer for all periods reported to these 154.5 million shares.

1) The figures for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2014 have been adjusted owing to the first-time application of IFRIC 21 (Levies); operating expenses have been increased and operating EBITDA has been decreased, both by EUR 2.0 million.

1) The figures for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2014 have been adjusted owing to the first-time application of IFRIC 21 (Levies); operating expenses have been increased and operating EBITDA has been decreased, both by EUR 2.2 million.

1) The figures for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2014 have been adjusted owing to the first-time application of IFRIC 21 (Levies); operating expenses have been increased and operating EBITDA has been decreased, both by EUR 0.2 million.

*Brenntag reports operating gross profit at segment level, but gross profit at Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less the cost of sales. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production, mixing and blending costs.
**The segments are primarily controlled on the basis of operating EBITDA, which represents the operating profit/loss as recorded in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets as well as depreciation of property, plant and equipment and investment property, adjusted for the following items:
• Transaction costs: Costs connected with restructuring and refinancing under company law. These items are eliminated for purposes of management reporting to enable the proper presentation of operating performance and to ensure comparability on segment level.
• Holding charges: Certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. These are eliminated at Group level.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, is present on all key world markets with its wide product and service portfolio. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 490 locations in 72 countries. In 2014, with its workforce of more than 13,500 employees, the company realized global sales of EUR 10.0 billion (USD 13.3 billion). Brenntag connects chemical manufacturers and chemical users. The company supports its customers and suppliers with tailor-made distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals. With around 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to a good 170,000 customers. This includes specific application technologies, extensive technical support and also value-added services such as just-in-time delivery, product mixing & blending, repackaging, inventory management and drum return handling. The global market leader in chemical distribution is known for its many years of experience as well as its local strength in the countries in which it operates.

Brenntag Italy will present its products and services at the international plastic and rubber fair Plast’06 from February 14-18, 2006 in Milan. (hall 24, stand A/B 15/16)

Plast’06 is one of the leading plastic and rubber industry events in Europe. Around 1,500 exhibitors will attract the trade visitors with their knowledge and important innovations of the industry sector.

For Brenntag Italy the fair means a ideal platform for intensive exchange of know-how with some of the more than 1.000 customers of the plastic and rubber industry.

• Gross profit* rose to 641.3 million EUR (+6.2% as reported)
• Operating EBITDA** up by 1.9% on the previous year to 219.8 million EUR (as reported)
• Very encouraging performance in North America
• Profit after tax came to 106.8 million EUR and earnings per share rose to 0.69 EUR
• For 2017 as a whole, Brenntag forecasts growth in operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA**. Group operating EBITDA is expected, before one-time effects, to be between 820 and 850 million EUR.

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted further growth in the second quarter of 2017. This was driven especially by the very encouraging performance in the North America region, where it achieved a clear increase in the results in an improved economic environment. In the regions Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific, Brenntag posted slightly slower business performances in the second quarter of 2017. For financial year 2017, the Brenntag Group continues to forecast growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA** (before one-time effects).

Brenntag generated sales of 3,001.4 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 12.7% on the prior-year period (+11.5% on a constant currency basis). The Group’s key performance indicator gross profit also climbed, rising by 6.2% year on year (5.2% on a constant currency basis) to reach 641.3 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 1.9% on the prior-year period (+0.8% on a constant currency basis) to 219.8 million EUR.

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 102.1 million EUR to 106.8 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.69 EUR (+4.5%).

At 122.5 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, free cash flow was down on the prior-year period (164.7 million EUR), due mainly to the increase in chemical prices and the resulting rise in working capital.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “Brenntag continued to grow in the second quarter of 2017. The very encouraging business and earnings performance from Brenntag North America is particularly worthy of note and was supported by both the existing business and the acquisitions. The Asia Pacific region showed a successful, albeit slightly slower business performance compared with the previous year, while in the EMEA region we saw a somewhat weaker quarter. As expected, our results in Latin America continue to be adversely affected by the somewhat difficult macroeconomic environment.”

EMEA posts slightly weaker quarter

The EMEA region posted operating gross profit of 280.0 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 0.4% on the prior-year quarter (+1.2% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA was down by 6.6% (-5.9% on a constant currency basis) to 93.9 million EUR. Following recent good results in the EMEA region, these results for the second quarter are below expectations. This is partly due to clear falls in demand in some lines of business in Scandinavia.
Over recent years of weaker macroeconomic demand, Brenntag EMEA has launched a range of initiatives aimed to manage the business and capture growth with a more European focus. These measures have already yielded results. Nevertheless, Brenntag sees further opportunities to increase supply chain efficiency and expects to generate annual savings of 8 million EUR as of the beginning of 2018. The special costs associated with implementing the programme will amount to approximately 25 million EUR and arise in the second half of this year.

North America achieves clear earnings growth

In a generally improved economic environment, Brenntag delivered an excellent earnings performance in the North America region in the second quarter of 2017. Driven primarily by a clear increase in the results achieved by the core business, operating gross profit was up by 13.8% on the prior-year figure (+11.2% on a constant currency basis) to 280.2 million EUR. Operating EBITDA increased by 14.4% (+11.6% on a constant currency basis) to 106.6 million EUR. The included acquisitions performed very well and made a positive contribution.

Business in Latin America continues to be adversely impacted by external environment Against a background of sustained contraction in industrial production throughout the region and still-difficult economic conditions in some countries, Brenntag achieved operating gross profit of 44.1 million EUR in Latin America in the second quarter of 2017. This is an increase of 2.8% compared with the prior-year quarter (-1.7% on a constant currency basis) and an improvement on the first quarter of 2017. Operating EBITDA was down by 14.9% year on year (-18.2% on a constant currency basis) to 9.7 million EUR. The economic situation in Brazil stabilized in the reporting period.

Mixed picture in the Asia Pacific region

The companies in the Asia Pacific region generated operating gross profit of 48.9 million EUR in the second quarter of 2017, an increase of 7.2% year on year (6.0% on a constant currency basis). Operating EBITDA reached 16.8 million EUR and was therefore 2.9% down on the high prior-year result (-4.0% on a constant currency basis). While business performance in many countries was impressive, other countries such as Indonesia saw clear falls in demand, which depressed earnings overall.

Brenntag continues to expect growth for 2017 as a whole

In light of the results in the first half of the year and macroeconomic developments in the regions, Brenntag continues to expect growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA for 2017 as a whole. Group operating EBITDA is forecast to be in the 820 to 850 million EUR range (before one-time effects from the European efficiency improvement program in the amount of 25 million EUR and assuming unchanged exchange rates until the end of the year).

*While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.

**The key earnings metric used at Brenntag for segment management is operating EBITDA. Operating EBITDA is the operating profit as reported in the consolidated income statement plus amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of property, plant and equipment. At Group level, operating EBITDA corresponds to EBITDA. Segment operating EBITDA is calculated as segment EBITDA adjusted for holding charges. These are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, they net to zero.

Christeyns Oleochemicals Division, a major player in the international oleochemicals market, has come to an agreement with chemicals distributor Brenntag Specialties Europe to market Christeyns’ fatty acid esters in the European Personal Care and Cosmetics sector.

Fatty acid esters are a new addition to Christeyns’ product portfolio. Christeyns’ Oleochemicals Division already plays a leading role in the development and production of oleochemicals in different physical forms such as powders, liquids, flakes, noodles and dispersions. But conform with the division’s long-term growth strategy whilst responding to clear customer needs, the company decided end of 2010 to expand its product range with fatty acid esters. One year of extensive R&D and a 3 million euro factory investment later, Christeyns has developed a specialty fatty acid portfolio under the brand name Besteris, and is also ready to offer customized ester formulae to the Personal Care and Cosmetics market.

With the team of Brenntag Specialties Europe, Christeyns’ Oleochemicals Division has found the perfect partner to market the portfolio, offer excellent customer service and develop the business.

“Within the European Brenntag Specialties organization we found the ideal combination of impressive sales coverage and a high level of expertise, both technically and commercially”, says Steve Clicteur, Sales Manager Christeyns Oleochemicals Division. “On top of that, the good and long-term business relationship that we already had with Brenntag for other Christeyns activities convinced us to take this logical step. I am sure that as our partner, Brenntag will help us become a hands-on, reliable supplier to the European Personal Care and Cosmetics market”, Product Manager Francis Notschaele adds.

Michael Wilkop, Brenntag’s European Marketing Manager Pharma & Personal Care continues: “The cooperation in the field of Specialty Esters represents a significant complimentary addition to the product portfolio already successfully marketed by Brenntag Personal Care Europe. The mix of innovative products and customized solutions combined with a high level of customer service and market know-how is an excellent strategic fit. The technical understanding and capabilities of Christeyns and their sales and marketing expertise are strong assets when it comes to developing and promoting more specialized products. We are delighted about the opportunity to cooperate with such a customer-oriented and forward-thinking company.”

The fatty acid esters are produced in Christeyns’ production facility in Ghent, Belgium and will be available first half 2012.

For more information, please contact Jef Wittouck, CFO, at j.wittouck@christeyns.com or tel. +32 9 223 38 71.


About Brenntag Europe Specialties
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in nearly 70 countries. In 2010 the company realized global sales of EUR 7.6 billion (USD 10.1 billion) with more than 12,000 employees.


About Christeyns
Christeyns is a Belgian detergents and chemicals group, with activities in a range of markets, completely focused on the B-2-B environment. The company has been transformed from a local business into a modern, professionally managed operation still privately owned by an entrepreneur. Head office of the company is located in Gent, Belgium, the group employs about 500 people in companies spread across 20 countries. In the last 10 years Christeyns has enjoyed a rapid growth of about 20% per year, and now has a consolidated turnover of about 140 million Eur.

Today Brenntag, global market leader in chemical distribution, closed the acquisition of the first 51% of Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd., a chemical distributor focused on the distribution of solvents with an established commercial and logistical infrastructure in the key economic regions in China. Thereby Brenntag gains market access to China, the world’s fastest-growing chemical market. Brenntag acquires over EUR 200 million of sales expected for 2011. Having signed the purchase agreement on June 09, 2011, the transaction has formally been closed within 10 weeks. The acquisition will be executed in two steps. Acquisition of the remaining stake is scheduled for 2016.

With this strategically important transaction Brenntag strengthens its growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. Brenntag thereby demonstrates full commitment to build a solid distribution network in China. Zhong Yung is a major chemical solvent distributor with about 2,000 customers, more than 100 suppliers and an excellent infrastructure including laboratories, blending and storage capabilities.

Zhong Yung serves all major solvents-applied industries such as paint and coatings, adhesives, printing inks, electronics and automotives with a large variety of solvent products. The company has a strong market position supported by its own high standard storage and blending facilities, empowering distribution value added services to its business partners in China. The bundling of distribution know-how and joint market penetration by Brenntag and Zhong Yung will open up further growth opportunities on the Chinese market.

Steven Holland, Brenntag CEO: “We intend to use the strong national sales organization covering North, East and South of China to expand the product lines we distribute. We are now the only global chemical distributor who can offer its customers and suppliers an established network in all major economies of Asia Pacific. This will open up opportunities for organic growth. We are continuing to look for further acquisition opportunities to support our growth in Asia Pacific.”

Fernando Ramirez, Brenntag China Managing Director, says about the target selection process: “The decision of acquiring Zhong Yung was part of a structured and time consuming process that took us around four years. Brenntag understands the strategic importance of having a solid partner in such a challenging environment. We are fundamentally convinced that Zhong Yung represents the best acquisition opportunity a global chemical distributor can have in China.”

For additional information on this transaction, please visit our Investor Relations section.

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a world-class supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop-shop solutions to about 160,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, the company operates a global network with more than 400 locations in nearly 70 countries. In 2010 the company realized global sales of EUR 7.6 billion (USD 10.1 billion) with more than 12,000 employees.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Brenntag AG and other information currently available to the company. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. Brenntag AG does not intend, and does not assume any liability whatsoever, to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

• Gross profit* grows by 4.3% to 619.4 million EUR (as reported)
• Operating EBITDA** up by 5.3% on the previous year to 216.0 million EUR (as reported)
• Quarterly earnings supported by growth in all the Group’s regions
• Profit after tax amounts to 100.8 million EUR and earnings per share to 0.65 EUR
• Outlook for 2017 confirmed: operating EBITDA still forecast to be between 820 and 850 million EUR

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, posted a strong performance in the third quarter of 2017, achieving an increase in both operating gross profit* and operating EBITDA**. This growth was supported by all four of the Group’s regions, with the North America segment in particular delivering strong earnings. In light of this positive performance, the Brenntag Group is confirming its forecast for 2017 as a whole: it expects growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA.

Brenntag generated sales of 2,892.5 million EUR in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of 10.4% on the prior-year period (+13.9% on a constant currency basis). The Group’s key performance indicator gross profit* rose by 4.3% (+7.7% on a constant currency basis) to 619.4 million EUR. Operating EBITDA** reached 216.0 million EUR, an increase of 5.3% compared with the prior-year quarter (+8.5% on a constant currency basis).

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 93.4 million EUR to 100.8 million EUR in the third quarter of 2017. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.65 EUR (+8.3%).

At 146.0 million EUR in the third quarter of 2017, free cash flow was down on the prior-year figure (190.1 million EUR), due mainly to the increase in chemical prices and the resulting rise in working capital.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “We delivered a strong performance in the third quarter of 2017. All regions contributed to this result and showed positive growth. North America in particular delivered excellent earnings and strong organic growth. We are pleased with this encouraging performance from the Group in the third quarter. Against this background, we are confirming the forecast given for 2017 as a whole.”

EMEA sees growth in operating gross profit and operating EBITDA
Brenntag EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) achieved operating gross profit of 269.6 million in the third quarter of 2017, a year-on-year increase of 4.2% on a constant currency basis (+3.2% as reported). Operating EBITDA also climbed, rising by 3.7% on a constant currency basis (+2.7% as reported) to 90.6 million EUR. In the third quarter, the region began to implement the announced efficiency programme, which is scheduled to be completed in the course of the year.

North America continues strong performance
The North America region reported very encouraging increases in earnings in the third quarter of 2017, driven primarily by strong organic growth. Operating gross profit rose by 9.7% on a constant currency basis (+4.3% as reported) to 265.6 million EUR. Operating EBITDA climbed to 103.6 million EUR, a year-on-year increase of 12.3% on a constant currency basis (+7.6% as reported). Brenntag North America continues to demonstrate strong organic growth.

Latin America increases earnings in slightly improved environment
Brenntag lifted earnings in the still volatile Latin America region in the third quarter of 2017. Operating gross profit rose by 5.2% on a constant currency basis (+0.7% as reported) to 42.0 million EUR. At 10.6 million EUR, operating EBITDA showed a clear increase of 17.0% on the prior-year period on a constant currency basis (+12.8% as reported). This performance is mainly attributable to improving economic conditions in Brazil.

Good earnings growth in Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region posted an encouraging third quarter of 2017 with improved earnings. This positive performance was supported both by organic growth and the successful integration of recent acquisitions. Operating gross profit reached 51.1 million EUR, a year-on-year increase of 15.7% on a constant currency basis (+10.1% as reported). Operating EBITDA rose by 17.6% on a constant currency basis (+12.6% as reported) to 18.8 million EUR.

Outlook for 2017
In light of the third-quarter results and economic trends in the regions, Brenntag is confirming its forecast for 2017 as a whole: the Group continues to expect growth in its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA, with operating EBITDA still anticipated to be in the 820 to 850 million EUR range (before special items and assuming exchange rates remain unchanged over the period to year-end).

^{*While Brenntag reports operating gross profit on segment level, the company reports gross profit on Group level. Operating gross profit is defined as sales less costs of material for goods purchased and supplies, services purchased, packaging materials, supplier rebates and increase/decrease in finished goods. Gross profit is defined as operating gross profit less production/mixing and blending costs.}

^{**Brenntag has changed the definition of operating EBITDA and now reports this performance indicator before special items. Until now, the segments’ operating EBITDA was adjusted only for holding charges, which are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, these effects net to zero. Now, Brenntag is also adjusting operating EBITDA for income and expenses arising from special items so as to improve comparability in presenting the performance of its business operations over multiple reporting periods and explain it more appropriately. Special items are income and expenses outside ordinary activities that have a special and material effect on the results of operations, such as restructurings.}

Brenntag North America, Inc., part of the Brenntag Group, the global market leader in chemical distribution, entered into a distribution agreement with Hexion Inc., to be their national distributor of epoxy specialty and base epoxy resins and intermediates in the United States and Canada.

The Hexion portfolio of epoxy resins, curing agents and modifiers compliments Brenntag‘s existing coatings and construction market offerings. These Hexion products are often utilized in end applications such as in manufacturing furniture, coatings, adhesives, flooring, and electrical castings and laminates.

Markus Klähn, Member of the Management Board of Brenntag Group and CEO Brenntag North America: “We are enthusiastic to expand our global strategic relationship with Hexion in North America as part of our specialties growth strategy. Hexion’s high-performance epoxy products and technologies will allow us to solidify our position as partner of choice in the coatings, adhesives and construction segment and enable us to offer our customers innovative solutions through a dedicated team of technical experts”.

“We’re excited to connect the unique synergies of Brenntag with our product line on a larger scale,” stated Adam Houseman, Distribution Manager, Hexion Americas. “By expanding our relationship across North America, our customers will see enhanced value in technical assistance and convenience of supply.”

Hexion offers a wide range of high-performing epoxy products, including:

• EPON^TM Resins
• EPIKURE^TM Curing Agents
• HELOXY^TM Modifiers and diluents
• EPI-REZ^TM Waterborne Resins

“This distribution agreement will provide our customers with the convenience of developing and sourcing their entire formula from one source backed up by our coatings and construction laboratory. We are thrilled to be aligned with Hexion, one of the inventors of epoxy technology and an industry leading supplier with a well-rounded spectrum of epoxy solutions for our customers.,” said Ted Davlantes, Marketing Director Coatings & Construction, Brenntag North America.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Hexion Inc. (formerly known as Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc.) is a global leader in thermoset resins. Hexion Inc. serves the global wood and industrial markets through a broad range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support for customers in a diverse range of applications and industries. Hexion Inc. is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC. Additional information about Hexion Inc. and its products is available at www.hexion.com/epoxy

Press contact for Brenntag North America:

Talitha Poore
Brenntag North America, Inc.
5083 Pottsville Pike
USA - Reading, PA 19605
Telephone: +1 (610) 916-3825
E-Mail: brenntag@brenntag.com
www.brenntagnorthamerica.com

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, is committed to support young people on their educational paths, and to give them the opportunity to combine theory with practice. The company thus cooperates with a number of universities and educational institutes around the world.

At the beginning of April, Brenntag invited around 40 students from Ruhr-University Bochum’s Sales & Marketing department. The focus of this full-day event at the Group headquarters in Essen was an in-depth discussion between the young guests and company representatives. The students showed great interest in Brenntag and the career opportunities in the Group. In addition, the current economic state, both in general and specifically in the chemicals industry, along with the resulting changes for sales organizations and the job profiles in this field were also the subject of lively discussion.

Karsten Beckmann, member of the Brenntag Management Board and CEO of Brenntag EMEA, welcomed the students. “With over 5,000 sales and marketing experts worldwide, Brenntag is a genuine sales organization. Having our ear to the ground, anticipating trends and serving our customers to the best of our ability are key factors in our success. This means we need well trained, clever and motivated employees. I’m pleased to see so many young talents here with us today.”

In addition to some good insights into the practical side of the work, the program for participants also included theory and teaching: Prof. Jan Wieseke from the Ruhr-University Bochum’s Sales & Marketing department gave a lecture on the topic “Radical changes in corporate strategic environments”. Following the lecture, students were also able to discuss this topic directly with Brenntag employees.

Effective October 1, 2009 Evonik Industries, headquartered in Essen, (Germany), announces the extension of its current cooperation with Brenntag, based in Mülheim an der Ruhr (Germany) for the distribution of the product groups VESTAMID®, TROGAMID®, VESTODUR® and VESTAMELT®. The sales region covers Europe except for Italy and Scandinavia.

Brenntag has been a partner of Evonik Röhm in Germany and Eastern Europe for many years for the distribution of PLEXIGLAS® molding compounds and the small-scale compounding of PLEXIGLAS®. In January 2009 the successful cooperation was extended to France. Steve Holland, Chief Operating Officer Brenntag Group: “Our extended partnership with Evonik marks a tremendous achievement for Brenntag. We are now in the position to enlarge our existing Polymers product portfolio and therefore can provide our customers with individual and innovative product and compounding solutions in a targeted manner. We are dedicated to building long-term partnerships and we are happy to have Evonik as our partner “.

„The expanded cooperation is the result of our efforts to harmonise our European distribution landscape - a process which started in 2007. We are convinced that this strategic step enables us to identify synergies which will strengthen our partnerships with smaller customers”, explains Dr. Joachim Leluschko, Evonik Degussa, responsible for the business unit High Performance Polymers.

About Brenntag
Brenntag recorded global 2008 sales of EUR 7.4 billion (USD 10.8 billion). Today the company operates in excess of 300 locations with more than 11,000 people in 64 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.

More information
www.brenntag-polymers.com

About Evonik
Evonik Industries is the creative industrial group from Germany which operates in three business areas: Chemicals, Energy and Real Estate. Evonik is a global leader in specialty chemicals, an expert in power generation from hard coal and renewable energies, and one of the largest private residential real estate companies in Germany. Our strengths are creativity, specialization, continuous self-renewal, and reliability. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In its fiscal year 2008 about 41,000 employees generated sales of about EUR 15.9 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about EUR 2.2 billion.

• Operating gross profit* grows to 722.9 million EUR (+4.1% on a constant currency basis)
• Operating EBITDA** reaches 266.3 million EUR (+12.2% on a constant currency basis)
• Operating activities impacted by weak macroeconomic environment, especially in EMEA and North America
• Profit after tax comes to 125.4 million EUR and earnings per share to 0.81 EUR
• For full-year 2019, Brenntag forecasts an increase in operating EBITDA of between 0% and 4% (on a like-for-like basis)

Brenntag (WKN A1DAHH), the global market leader in chemical distribution, lifted its key performance indicators operating gross profit and operating EBITDA at Group level in the second quarter of 2019. The growth in operating EBITDA is mainly attributable to the initial application of IFRS 16, the new financial reporting standard on leases. The further downturn in the macroeconomic environment had a noticeable impact on the quarterly results, especially in the two large regions EMEA and North America. In light of the current trend in earnings performance and the macroeconomic growth outlook, Brenntag decided in July to revise its forecast for full-year 2019: the Group still expects to see growth in operating gross profit. For operating EBITDA, it forecasts an increase on a like-for-like basis of between 0% and 4% (before 3% - 7%).

Brenntag generated sales of 3,254.3 million EUR in the second quarter of 2019, a year-on-year decrease of 1.2% on a constant currency basis (+1.2% as reported). Brenntag’s key performance indicator operating gross profit reached 722.9 million EUR, an increase of 4.1% on a constant currency basis (+6.8% as reported). Operating EBITDA was up by 12.2% year on year at constant currency rates (+15.1% as reported) to 266.3 million EUR. The growth in operating EBITDA is mainly attributable to the initial application of the new financial reporting standard IFRS 16. The effect of this IFRS on Group operating EBITDA amounts to 28.3 million EUR in the second quarter.

Profit after tax was up on the prior-year figure of 118.3 million EUR to 125.4 million EUR in the second quarter of 2019. This translates into earnings per share attributable to Brenntag shareholders of 0.81 EUR.

At 179.1 million EUR, free cash flow was up significantly on the prior-year quarter’s figure (147.9 million EUR). This is due primarily to the lower increase in working capital compared with the second quarter of 2018.

Steven Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Brenntag AG, said, “The second quarter confirmed that there has been no significant improvement of the underlying business environment, and overall business sentiment remains weak. Despite this, however, we achieved operating EBITDA on a par with the previous year on a like-for-like basis.”

Results in EMEA negatively impacted by the further weakened market environment
The EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) region saw a continuation of the trend of recent months. The market environment continued to turn down, providing no impetus, and demand remained weak. Against this background, Brenntag EMEA generated operating gross profit on a par with the previous year (+0.2% on a constant currency basis; -0.2% as reported) at 292.8 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 6.5% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (+5.5% as reported) to 108.7 million EUR.

North America sees downturn in operating activities
Brenntag North America recorded noticeably weaker demand and a downturn in the macroeconomic environment in the course of the second quarter. This led to lower growth rates in our business. Overall, the acquisitions made a positive contribution to earnings. Compared with the prior-year quarter, operating gross profit rose by 5.1% on a constant currency basis (+11.2% as reported) to 313.0 million EUR. Operating EBITDA reached 127.8 million EUR, an increase of 11.6% on a constant currency basis (+18.3% as reported).

The growth in operating EBITDA in the two large regions EMEA and North America is mainly attributable to the initial application of the new financial reporting standard IFRS 16.

Latin America delivers another good quarter in an environment of continued volatility

Brenntag Latin America continued its positive performance into the second quarter of 2019, generating good operating results in a still-difficult economic environment. Operating gross profit rose by 7.9% on a constant currency basis (+10.1% as reported) to 44.8 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 57.0% on a constant currency basis (+54.0% as reported) to 13.4 million EUR.

Further growth in Asia Pacific
In the Asia Pacific region, Brenntag achieved further growth in the second quarter of 2019. The acquisitions made a positive contribution to this. Operating gross profit rose by 15.0% on a constant currency basis (+18.2% as reported) to 67.6 million EUR. Operating EBITDA was up by 25.1% on the prior-year figure on a constant currency basis (+28.8% as reported) to 25.5 million EUR.

Revised forecast for full-year 2019
In light of the current trend in earnings performance and the deterioration in the macroeconomic environment, Brenntag decided in July to revise its forecast for full-year 2019: the Group still expects to see growth in operating gross profit. On a constant currency basis, based on the same financial reporting standards and including acquisitions, it now forecasts an increase in operating EBITDA of between 0% and 4% (previously: between 3% and 7%). This range means that reported operating EBITDA for the Brenntag Group will be somewhere between 995 million and 1,030 million EUR in financial year 2019, assuming that current exchange rates do not change materially in the course of the year and the effect of the initial application of IFRS 16 is approximately 100 million EUR.

Steven Holland said, “We have revised our forecast for operating EBITDA to reflect the currently difficult trends and macroeconomic outlook. Although we are now more cautious as regards the further course of the year, our resilience, broad diversification and successful acquisitions will help us to continue to grow.”

*Operating gross profit is defined as sales less cost of goods sold.
**Since the third quarter of 2017, Brenntag has presented operating EBITDA before holding charges and special items. Holding charges are certain costs charged between holding companies and operating companies. At Group level, these effects net to zero. Brenntag is also adjusting operating EBITDA for income and expenses arising from special items so as to improve comparability in presenting the performance of its business operations over multiple reporting periods and explain it more appropriately. Special items are income and expenses outside ordinary activities that have a special and material effect on the results of operations, such as restructurings.

• Freefloat reaches nearly 64 percent
• 7 million shares with a volume of over EUR 500 million sold

Brachem Acquisition S.C.A., controlled by BC Partners funds and largest shareholder of Brenntag AG, today placed 7 million shares of Brenntag AG for a price of EUR 71.50 per share with institutional investors in an accelerated bookbuilding process. This transaction is the second successful placement after the stock listing in March 2010. The freefloat now reaches 64 percent.

Also after today’s transaction, funds managed by BC Partners indirectly remain Brenntag’s largest shareholders. In addition a new lock-up period of 180 days was agreed. The shares were placed in the market by Goldman Sachs International.


Press contact:
Hubertus Spethmann
Brenntag AG
Corporate Communications
Stinnes-Platz 1
45472 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Deutschland
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7701
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7220
E-Mail: hubertus.spethmann@brenntag.de

Investor contact:
Georg Müller, Stefanie Steiner, Diana Alester
Brenntag AG
Investor Relations
Stinnes-Platz 1
45472 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Deutschland
Telephone: +49 (208) 7828-7653
Fax: +49 (208) 7828-7755
E-Mail: IR@Brenntag.de

About Brenntag:
Brenntag is the global market leader in full-line chemical distribution. Linking chemical manufacturers and chemical users, Brenntag provides business-to-business distribution solutions for industrial and specialty chemicals globally. With over 10,000 products and a vast supplier base, Brenntag offers one-stop shop solutions to more than 150,000 customers. The value-added services include just-in-time delivery, product mixing, formulation, repackaging, inventory management, drum return handling as well as extensive technical support. Headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, Brenntag operates a global network with more than 400 locations in more than 60 countries. In 2009 the company realized global sales of EUR 6.4 billion (USD 8.9 billion) with approximately 11,000 people.

Chemical distributor's vehicle fleet growing

A total of eleven new Actros vehicles from Mercedes Benz have made an immediate addition to the vehicle fleet of German Brenntag GmbH, member of Brenntag Group, global market leader in chemical distribu-tion. The seven multi-change and four semi-trailer towing vehicles al-ready meet the Euro 5 exhaust fumes standard for the reduction of ni-trogen oxide emissions, which will be in force from 2009.

Brenntag's new heavy commercial trucks are making a major environ-mental contribution. The company is backing the SCR (Selective Cata-lytic Reduction) exhaust fumes technology. With separate additional AdBlue re-filling, diesel powered commercial trucks with SCR catalytic converter can transform the output of nitrogen oxide into neutral nitrogen and water and thus significantly reduce their nitrogen oxide emissions. In addition, this technology can lead to a decrease in vehicle fuel consump-tion. AdBlue is a special high-purity urea solution which Brenntag dis-tributes across Europe under the Air1™ brand in cooperation with Yara, the leading urea producer in Western Europe. Brenntag has already implemented the Air1™ concept at ten public filling stations and eleven on-site filling stations of road-haulage companies - and thus enables other vehicle pools and fleets to profit from this clean solution and effect a change over.

Moreover, the nine and a half and seven tonners have the authorization to transport hazardous ADR type substances. As a result, there are no restrictions on safely transporting solvents for use in chemical operations by road.

Digital tachographs have also been incorporated that comply with a 2006 EU standard for newly registered vehicles. That way, rest times and those spent at the wheel can be exactly recorded.

Brenntag, global market leader in chemical distribution, recorded sales of 4.6 billion euros in 2004 through the efforts of the company's 8,800 employees at around 300 locations around the globe. Brenntag supplies industrial and specialty chemicals and provides its customers and sup-pliers with comprehensive added value solutions. In Germany alone, 1,300 employees at 15 locations ensure the smooth functioning of the chemical producer/manufacturing industry interface.

• New CEO Steven Holland focuses on continuity and promotes profitable growth strategy
• General Shareholders’ Meeting elects longtime CEO Stephen Clark to the Supervisory Board
• After record results in financial year 2010, a dividend of EUR 1.40 per share will be distributed
• Growth expected across all relevant earnings parameters in 2011

During the first annual general shareholders’ meeting since the successful IPO of Brenntag AG (WKN A1DAHH) in March 2010, longtime CEO Stephen Clark today handed over responsibility for the world market leader in chemical distribution to Steven Holland. Holland, who has been with Brenntag since 2006, has worked closely with Stephen Clark since becoming COO of the company in 2009. During this time he has been instrumental in shaping the strategy for Europe and Asia. As a new member of the Supervisory Board, longtime CEO Clark will support Brenntag in continuing the successful growth strategy. This was decided today at the general shareholders’ meeting in Düsseldorf when the shareholders followed the proposal of major shareholder Brachem Acquisition S.C.A. In addition, the general shareholders’ meeting approved the distribution of a dividend of EUR 1.40 per share.

Steven Holland new CEO
"It is with great confidence that I hand over responsibility for this successful and ambitious MDAX-company to my colleague Steven Holland", the outgoing CEO Stephen Clark said about his successor. "In recent years, Steven has proved to be a strong leader with strategic vision and has driven our growth with passion." Steven Holland has been a board member since 2007; he has been responsible for managing Brenntag’s global day-to-day operations and executing the group’s growth strategy since 2009.

Stephen Clark becomes new member of the Supervisory Board
The previous CEO Stephen Clark joins the Supervisory Board – a large majority of the voting shareholders decided in favour of a corresponding request of major shareholder Brachem Acquisition S.C.A. "Stephen Clark has further developed and expanded Brenntag’s global market leadership in chemical distribution with a great sense of responsibility. We highly appreciate and value his work and I would like to specifically thank Stephen Clark, also on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, for this outstanding achievement. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his long standing know-how ", said Stefan Zuschke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Shareholders participate in 2010 record results via dividend
Clark hands over a growing company. Brenntag has significantly improved its results across all key performance indicators since the IPO last year. With EUR 7,649.1 million and EUR 602.6 million respectively, sales and operating EBITDA reached record figures. Based on these excellent results, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board proposed a dividend of EUR 1.40 per share to the general shareholders’ meeting. This corresponds to a total dividend of EUR 72.1 million. The shareholders approved this proposal by a large majority.

The shareholders welcomed the company's performance during the past financial year and adopted the proposals of the remaining agenda items with approval rates of almost one hundred percent.

Growth expected for all relevant earnings parameters in 2011
The Brenntag management aims for further growth based on the good results of 2010. "The financial year 2011 is going well," said the new CEO Steven Holland. "We push ahead with our proven growth strategy and will consistently continue our expansion both organically and through acquisitions." Only in the past few weeks Brenntag has made successful strategic acquisitions in China and North America. On the back of global economic growth, continuing positive trends in chemical distribution and its strong international market position, Brenntag expects to further grow all key performance indicators in local currencies in the current financial year.

Voting Results
(36,169,840 shares of the share capital of 51,500,000 shares were represented, which corresponds to 70.23 percent of the share capital.)