Univar's Europe business unit has acquired 100% of the stock of JSM Chemicals, based near Valencia, Spain, a solvent and inorganic chemicals distributor with a strong market share in the Levante area
JSM is a regional solvent and inorganic chemicals distributor, enjoying a strong market share in the Levante area of Spain.
It owns a modern, purpose-built facility in Chiva, 30 kilometers from Valencia, making it well positioned to service the industrial base in this rapidly growing economy.
JSM was founded in 1991 by two partners, with another three partners added subsequently.
Three will remain active directly in the business while two others will continue to operate as sales agents for Univar.
Univar, with its much broader product range, expects to build on this platform to create a market leading position in the Levante region with a strong industry focus and a significantly wider range of both commodity and specialty chemicals.
The current management of JSM have signed contracts with Univar to assure an uninterrupted transition, and look forward to continuing to drive the growth they have enjoyed since founding the company.
Commenting on the acquisition, Gerard Essink, Univar's regional director for Iberia, stated: "We are very pleased at the opportunity to add JSM Chemicals to our Iberian business".
"It provides Univar with excellent growth potential, adding our product range to the well established commodity base of JSM, with the added advantage of a purpose-built facility in the growing industrial region around Valencia".
"JSM management have done an excellent job since the company's inception in establishing and servicing a strong and loyal customer base, and we are delighted that they are remaining with Univar to continue their success." John Phillpotts, president of Univar Europe, also commented: "The purchase of JSM is consistent with our strategy of building market share in Europe, and in particular expanding our presence in existing markets through carefully targeted customer-focused companies."
