Nov 22, 2021

Submitted Global privateer equity investor Advent International (Advent) is to to acquire Caldic BV (Caldic), a global premium provider of value-added life sciences and specialty chemicals solutions, from Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Caldic will then merge with Advent portfolio company Grupo Transmerquim SA (GTM), one of the leading chemical distributors in Latin America. Caldic’s product portfolio includes innovative food ingredients, natural products and functional solutions for a variety of life sciences and industrial end-market segments. With a leading presence in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, Caldic employs around 1,200 people across 35 locations. The business generated sales of about EUR1 billion in 2020. Ronald Ayles, Managing Partner and Global Head of Chemicals at Advent International, adds: “For the chemical and distribution industry, this is a time of great change, reorganisation and consolidation – and for us as a committed private equity buyer, one of great opportunity. As with all our investments, we pursue a long-term growth approach and intend to support Caldic throughout its next phase of growth. We see great prospects in the combination with GTM, nearly doubling the size of the New Caldic from the start and we look forward to working in close cooperation with the highly qualified employees and management team to firmly establish the combination as a global growth platform.” “Caldic has a well-established market position and very attractive growth opportunities. Its strengths lie in its global network combined with local expertise, giving the flexibility to meet customer-specific requirements. Combining this business with GTM, the leader in chemicals in the Latin-American market, will create a truly global industry leader,” says Patrice Etlin, Managing Partner at Advent International in Latin America. With over 30 investments, Advent is one of the most experienced investors in the global chemical industry. The firm invests in well positioned companies with significant operational and strategic potential. Together with the management teams of its portfolio companies, as well as its strong global network of sector teams, external industry experts and operational partners, Advent seeks to create sustainable value by driving revenue and earnings growth. In 2014, the firm acquired GTM, the second-largest chemical distributor in Latin America. Over its 35-year history, GTM has grown to become one of only two chemical distribution companies with a full Latin-American footprint. Under Advent’s ownership, the combination will have the opportunity to continue its growth and further accelerate it, both organically as well as through acquisitions. Leveraging this expertise, Advent plans to support the management team in its efforts to establish the combination as a strong global platform. Advent’s strategy for the business centres on substantially investing in its employees, technology and sites. Additionally, Advent sees further growth potential through expansion and investment to strengthen the company’s already well-established market position. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.