Acquisition of chemical distribution assets of Austro Corp, S.A. de C.V.

Brenntag, the global leader in chemical distribution, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to its long-term growth strategy by announcing today’s acquisition of the chemical distribution assets of Austro Corp, S.A. de C.V., headquartered in Mexico City.

Austro Corp was formed in 1980 and has substantial technical expertise focused primarily in the food industry as well as the pharmaceutical, coatings and oil & gas markets. These markets have all been designated as being strategic in Brenntag’s global growth plans, which is why Austro is such a great fit.

The acquisition of Austro Corp allows Brenntag Mexico to enter the Mexican food market and further strengthens its position in the oil & gas market. For Peter Staartjes, President Brenntag Latin America, Inc.: “The food industry in Mexico is a very attractive market for Brenntag, offering important growth opportunities for our company. In Austro Corp we have found a solid and well established partner that can help us not only in this important market segment in Mexico, but potentially also benefit us in other neighbouring markets. Austro Corp´s experienced food ingredient sales team will now be able to serve customer needs better by taking full advantage of Brenntag´s excellent global leadership position in food ingredients as well as its technical expertise and extended product portfolio. “

Steven Terwindt, Managing Director at Brenntag Mexico: “Brenntag Mexico´s new state of the art distribution centre in Queretaro will allow us to serve Austro Corp´s customers in a very efficient way with a broader product portfolio and a sophisticated service level representing additional growth opportunities”.

Brenntag Mexico S.A. de C.V. has 140 employees in Mexico, serving customers throughout the country from 5 locations in Mexico City, Queretaro, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana with a strong strategic focus on the personal & household care, oil & gas, food and pharmaceuticals, paint & coatings and plastics additives areas.

Brenntag recorded global 2007 sales of EUR 6.7 billion (USD 9.1 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.