Cookies

This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.

Brenntag
  • Corporate (EN)
    Languages
    • Deutsch
    • English
    Choose a different country
  • Contact
  • Media
  • Search for Products
  • About Brenntag
    • ConnectingChemistry
      Jon Birrell
      Aafke Dijksma
      Phuong
      Marco Riquelme
      Aaron Booth
      Marion Mestrom
    • Company Profile
      History
      Facts & Figures
      Regions
    • Strategy & Organisation
      Board of Management
      Supervisory Board
      The Brenntag Brand
      Vision & Values
      Strategy & Business Model
      Compliance
      Brenntag Locations
    • Focus Industries
      Animal Nutrition
      Cleaning
      Coatings & Construction (ACES)
      Cosmetics
      Food & Nutrition
      Lubricants
      Oil & Gas
      Pharma
      Polymers
      Water Treatment
    • Services
      Global Key Account Program
      Global Sourcing Organization
    • Location Finder
  • Sustainability
    • Sustainability at Brenntag
      ConnectingChemistry stories: Sustainability
      Sustainability - Marco Riquelme
      Safety - Aafke Dijksma
      Environmental Protection - Robinson Muñoz
      Employees - Weiseong Fong
    • Sustainability Management
      Compliance
      UNGC & further Memberships
      Supply Chain
      Guidelines
    • Safety & Environmental Protection
      Product Safety
      Occupational Safety
      Protection of Water, Soil & Air
      Climate Protection
      Sustainable Solutions
    • Employees
    • Projects Worldwide
      Safety
      Climate and Environmental Protection
      Social Commitment
      Sustainable Products & Customer Solutions
      Awards
    • Service & Contacts
  • Investor Relations
    • Basic Information
      Regions
      History of Brenntag
      Board of Management
      Supervisory Board
      Financial Figures
      Articles of Association
    • Share
      Share Price
      Dividend
      Analysts' Opinions
      Shareholder Structure
    • Publications
      Financial News
      Financial Reports
      Online Annual Report 2017
      Order Publications
      Deregistration from mailing list
      Presentations & Speeches
    • Corporate Governance
      Corporate Governance Codex
      Auditor
      Compliance Statement
    • Financial Calendar
    • General Shareholders' Meeting
    • Creditor Relations
      Bond (with Warrant) 2022
      Terms and Conditions
      Mitteilungen
      Bond 2025
      Rating
      Syndicated Loan Agreement
    • IR Contact
  • People
    • Why Brenntag?
      We assume responsibility
    • Brenntag as an Employer
    • Working at Brenntag
      Recruitment Fraud Warning
  • How can we help you?
    • I would like....
      ...to buy products
      ...to sell products
      ...to connect with Brenntag
      ...to find a specific Brenntag Address
      ...get to a specific Brenntag Website
      Information for
      Customers
      Suppliers
      Job applicants
      Press representatives
      Investors
  • Navigation
  • About Brenntag
    • Back
    • ConnectingChemistry
      • Back
      • Jon Birrell
      • Aafke Dijksma
      • Phuong
      • Marco Riquelme
      • Aaron Booth
      • Marion Mestrom
    • Company Profile
      • Back
      • History
      • Facts & Figures
      • Regions
    • Strategy & Organisation
      • Back
      • Board of Management
      • Supervisory Board
      • The Brenntag Brand
      • Vision & Values
      • Strategy & Business Model
      • Compliance
      • Brenntag Locations
    • Focus Industries
      • Back
      • Animal Nutrition
      • Cleaning
      • Coatings & Construction (ACES)
      • Cosmetics
      • Food & Nutrition
      • Lubricants
      • Oil & Gas
      • Pharma
      • Polymers
      • Water Treatment
    • Services
      • Back
      • Global Key Account Program
      • Global Sourcing Organization
    • Location Finder
  • Sustainability
    • Back
    • Sustainability at Brenntag
      • Back
      • ConnectingChemistry stories: Sustainability
        • Back
        • Sustainability - Marco Riquelme
        • Safety - Aafke Dijksma
        • Environmental Protection - Robinson Muñoz
        • Employees - Weiseong Fong
    • Sustainability Management
      • Back
      • Compliance
      • UNGC & further Memberships
      • Supply Chain
      • Guidelines
    • Safety & Environmental Protection
      • Back
      • Product Safety
      • Occupational Safety
      • Protection of Water, Soil & Air
      • Climate Protection
      • Sustainable Solutions
    • Employees
    • Projects Worldwide
      • Back
      • Safety
      • Climate and Environmental Protection
      • Social Commitment
      • Sustainable Products & Customer Solutions
      • Awards
    • Service & Contacts
  • Investor Relations
    • Back
    • Basic Information
      • Back
      • Regions
      • History of Brenntag
      • Board of Management
      • Supervisory Board
      • Financial Figures
      • Articles of Association
    • Share
      • Back
      • Share Price
      • Dividend
      • Analysts' Opinions
      • Shareholder Structure
    • Publications
      • Back
      • Financial News
      • Financial Reports
        • Back
        • Online Annual Report 2017
        • Order Publications
        • Deregistration from mailing list
      • Presentations & Speeches
    • Corporate Governance
      • Back
      • Corporate Governance Codex
      • Auditor
      • Compliance Statement
    • Financial Calendar
    • General Shareholders' Meeting
    • Creditor Relations
      • Back
      • Bond (with Warrant) 2022
        • Back
        • Terms and Conditions
        • Mitteilungen
      • Bond 2025
      • Rating
      • Syndicated Loan Agreement
    • IR Contact
  • People
    • Back
    • Why Brenntag?
      • Back
      • We assume responsibility
    • Brenntag as an Employer
    • Working at Brenntag
      • Back
      • Recruitment Fraud Warning
  • How can we help you?
    • Back
    • I would like....
      • Back
      • ...to buy products
      • ...to sell products
      • ...to connect with Brenntag
      • ...to find a specific Brenntag Address
      • ...get to a specific Brenntag Website
      • Information for
        • Back
        • Customers
        • Suppliers
        • Job applicants
        • Press representatives
        • Investors
  • Information for Customers
  • Suppliers
  • Investors
  • Job Applicants
  • Press representative
  • Contact
  • Media
  • Search for Products
  • Languages
  • Deutsch
  • English
  • Choose a different country
Books in a library
Company Profile
  • History
  • Facts & Figures
  • Regions
  1. About Brenntag
  2. Company Profile
  3. History

History of Brenntag

Having entered the chemical distribution business in 1912, Brenntag has successfully expanded to become the world market leader in full-line chemical distribution.

  • 2017

    Continued international growth

    Brenntag grows through targeted acquisition, including Petra Industries (USA), the pipeline and chemicals services segment of Greene's Energy Group (USA), Wellstar Group (China), Raj Petro Specialties (India), Kluman and Balter Limited (UK), A1 Cake Mixes Limited (UK), Quimitécnica (Portugal and Spain)

    Acquisition 2017
  • Official formation of Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

    Brenntag strengthens chemical distribution in South Africa with the official formation of Brenntag South Africa (Pty) Ltd.

    News 2017
  • Brenntag Headquarters move to Essen

    Brenntag AG, Brenntag Holding GmbH and Brenntag GmbH move into the new "House of Elements".

    News 2017
  • Sustainability Report for the Financial Year 2016 published

    Brenntag reports full-year figures for energy consumption and emissions for the first time.

    News 2017
  • 2016

    Further expansion of the market coverage

    Acquisition of ACU PHARMA und CHEMIE group (Germany), Whanee Corporation (South Korea), Warren Chem (South Africa), Mayes County Petroleum Products (USA), the Lubricants Business of NOCO Inc. (USA), EPChem (Singapore)

    Acquisition 2016
  • Towards greater sustainability

    Brenntag achieves Gold status in EcoVadis Sustainability Assessment and becomes full member of TfS initiative.

    News 2016
  • Brenntag on the move

    Official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Brenntag Headquarters, the "House of Elements" in Essen, Germany.

    News 2016
  • 2015

    Continued international growth

    Continued growth through targeted acquisitions, including Lionheart (South Africa), Quimicas Meroño (Spain), Trychem (Dubai), Parkoteks (Turkey), TAT Group (Singapore).

    Acquisition 2015
  • Together for Sustainability

    Brenntag joins the industry initiative "Together for Sustainability".

    News 2015
  • "ConnectingChemistry"

    Brenntag reinforces brand identity with "ConnectingChemistry" as its key strap line.

    News 2015
  • Brenntag AG expands Management Board to five members

    In addition to serving members Steven Holland (CEO) and Georg Müller (CFO), Brenntag managers Karsten Beckmann, Markus Klähn and Henri Nejade are appointed to the Board.

    News 2015
  • 2014

    Expansion of the market coverage

    Acquisition of Gafor Distribuidora (Brazil), Philchem (USA), Chimab (Italy), SurtiQuímicos (Columbia), Fred Holmberg & Co (Sweden).

    Acquisition 2014
  • Brenntag joins the UN Global Compact

    Brenntag joins the UN Global Compact, a worldwide initiative based on CEO commitments to implement universal sustainability principles and to undertake partnerships in support of UN goals.

    News 2014
  • 2013

    Further Growth

    With the acquisition of Blue Sky Environment Pty Ltd. Brenntag increases its presence in Australia. Furthermore Brenntag acquires the chemical distribution division of the Zytex Group (India) as well as the operational business of Kemira Water (Denmark).

    Acquisition 2013
  • 2012

    100 Years Brenntag

    Brenntag looks back on 100 years of successful history in the chemical distribution industry.

    News 2012
  • Brenntag opens new head office in India

    Brenntag inaugurates its new head office in Mumbai, India. This new office represents Brenntag’s continued commitment to invest in India and ensures that the company has ample room for its planned growth.

    News 2012
  • 100 % Free Float

    The free float of the Brenntag shares increases to 100 percent through the selling of the remaining shares of Brachem Acquisitions S.C.A.

    Acquisition 2012
  • International Expansion

    Continued growth through targeted acquisition, including Amco Internacional S.A. de C.V. (Mexico), Petrolube (Italy), ISM/Salkat-Group (Australia and New Zealand), Delanta Group (Argentinia, Uruguay, Chile), TER Corporation and ALTIVIA Corporation (USA)

    Acquisition 2012
  • 2011

    Brenntag gains market access to China

    By acquiring Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd. Brenntag achieves the strategic market entry in China.

    Acquisition 2011
  • Expansion in North America

    Brenntag announces the acquisition of G.S. Robins & Company (USA). The acquisition enables Brenntag to improve its presence in several of Brenntag’s focus industries including the Food & Nutrition and Water Treatment industries.

    Acquisition 2011
  • Expansion in Europe and Africa

    Thanks to the acquisition of Multisol Group Ltd. (UK), Brenntag further develops its market position in the distribution of specialty chemicals with focus on lubricants and base oils including mixing and blending capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.

    Acquisition 2011
  • 2010

    Prime Standard Segment

    Since March 29, the Brenntag share is traded at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the Prime Standard Segment.

    News 2010
  • Member of the MDAX index

    On 21 June 2010, Brenntag AG joins the MDAX index of Deutsche Börse.

    News 2010
  • Acquisition of EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S

    With the acquisition of EAC Industrial Ingredients Ltd. A/S Brenntag significantly expands its presence in Asia Pacific.

    Acquisition 2010
  • Expansion in the USA

    Brenntag agrees with Houghton Chemical Corporation (HCC) to acquire certain assets of the Industrial Chemicals & Solvents division of HCC, thus adding to its strong market position in North America. The high quality business provides an important contribution to Brenntag North America’s geographic and strategic position in New England.

    Acquisition 2010
  • 2008

    Brenntag enters Southeast Asia

    With the transfer of Rhodia’s chemical distribution operations in Australia, India, Taiwan and the ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, Brenntag enters the Asia Pacific region and substantially extends its global distribution network.

    Acquisition 2008
  • 2007

    Continued international growth

    Continued growth through targeted acquisitions, including St. Lawrence Chemical (Canada), Ulrich Chemical (USA), Natural World (Italy), Abaci (Turkey), Schoofs (USA), Dipol (Ukraine, Latvia and Russia), Schmidt (Netherlands), Inquimex (Argentina) and Austro Corp. (Mexico), as well as distribution rights in Sweden and Belgium of Yara International ASA (Norway).

    Acquisition 2007-09
  • 2006

    Expansion in the USA, Switzerland, UK and Canada

    Continued expansion with focus on achieving leading market positions including acquisitions of LA Chemical (USA)), Schweizerhall Chemie (Switzerland), Albion Chemicals Group (UK), and Wil-Chem Specialty Chemicals (Canada)

    Acquisition 2006
  • 2005

    Expansion in Poland and the USA

    Brenntag opens a facility in Poznan, Poland, as well as an integrated distribution center in Lancaster, Texas.

    News 2005
  • Acquisition of U.S. business of Quadra

    Effective October 31, 2005, Brenntag has aquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Quadra Chemicals Inc., distributor of industrial and specialty chemicals in the USA.

    Acquisition 2005
  • 2004

    Development of facilities in Germany and Brazil

    Brenntag records significant progress in the development of facilities, including the fully automatic high-bay warehouse in Duisburg, Germany and the expansion of a key hub facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    News 2004
  • Expansion in Poland and Turkey

    With the acquisition of Orlen Polimer (Poland) and the founding of a new subsidiary in Turkey, Brenntag Kimya, Brenntag continues to expand its activities.

    Acquisition 2004
  • Expansion in the UK

    Brenntag acquires the specialty chemicals distribution business from Aquacryl Ltd./Chemacryl ltd. (UK).

    Acquisition 2004
  • 2002

    Purchase of 50% of Biesterfeld Chemiedistribution

    Brenntag acquires an initial 50% stake in Biesterfeld Chemistribution, significantly expanding its distribution capacity in Germany. Later on the stake in the company was gradually increased up to nearly complete ownership.

    Acquisition 2002
  • 2000

    Acquisition of Holland Chemical International

    Brenntag acquires Holland Chemical International, the then fifth-largest chemical distributor worldwide, with large market shares in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and the United States, and a leading market position in Latin America, where Brenntag previously had not been represented.

    Acquisition 2000
  • 1998

    Acquisition of Milsov

    Brenntag continues expansion in U.S. market.

    Acquisition 1998
  • 1993

    Acquisition of Southchem

    Brenntag acquires Southchem (USA), thus continuing its expansion in the U.S. market.

    Acquisition 1993
  • 1990

    Brenntag continues to grow in Europe

    Brenntag continues to grow in Europe through acquisitions (including Wülfing, Rühl, and Schuster & Sohn (Germany), GDC, Orchidis and Bonnave-Dubar (France), and Sepic and Bombardieri-Cambiaghi Group (Italy) and joint ventures (including Staub & Co. and CVH Hannover in Germany).

    Acquisition 1990
  • Market entry in Central and Eastern Europe

    Brenntag's takeover of the Neuber Group (Austria) allows the company to enter into the Central and Eastern Europe markets.

    Acquisition 1990
  • 1989

    Brenntag acquires Crown and PB&S Chemicals

    Brenntag continues its expansion by taking over the U.S. distribution companies Crown and PB&S Chemicals.

    Acquisition 1989
  • 1980

    Expansion in the USA

    Brenntag's U.S. expansion includes acquisitions of distributors Western Chemical (1980), Textile Chemical (1981) and Delta (1986).

    Acquisition 1980-86
  • 1970

    U.S. business established, acquisitions in Europe

    Brenntag establishes its U.S. business and continues acquisitions in the European and North American chemicals distribution business.

    Acquisition 1970-79
  • 1966

    Brenntag becomes multinational

    Brenntag becomes multinational, acquiring Balder in Belgium.

    Acquisition 1966
  • 1950

    Expansion in Germany

    Brenntag expands its warehousing network and product lines, including inorganic and organic chemicals, solvents, plastics, resins and specialty chemicals.

    News 1950-59
  • 1943

    Relocation of the headquarters

    The head office is relocated from Berlin to Mülheim an der Ruhr.

    News 1943-44
  • 1938

    Renaming to "Brenntag"

    "Brennstoff–, Chemikalien– und Transport AG” becomes „Brenntag”.

    News 1938
  • 1912

    Entry into chemical distribution business

    The company enters the chemical distribution market.

    News 1912
  • 1874

    Brenntag is founded in Berlin

    Philipp Mühsam founds an egg wholesale in Berlin, which later will be renamed "Brenntag".

    News 1874
Share now:
Contact us
How can we help you?

Your message has been sent! We will contact you as soon as possible.

Brenntag
  • Print page
  • Sitemap
  • Imprint
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

© Brenntag AG, Messeallee 11
D-45131 Essen, Phone +49 201 6496-0

ConnectingChemistry