Chemical reaction as Caldic swoops

Caldic, a Dutch-owned business with global operations including a base in Chesterfield, bought Omnichem, a specialist distributor of chemicals – particularly acids and lyes (a strong alkaline liquor rich in potassium carbonate) – for an undisclosed sum.

Caldic, which employs over 30 people in Chesterfield, is one of the few major chemical distribution companies in Europe to still be owned privately.

It specialises in distributing and producing chemical products and has an annual turnover in excess of 437m.

Established in 1991, Omnichem operates nationwide from distribution sites in Dewsbury and Leicester.

The larger Dewsbury base includes 40,000 sq ft of offices and warehouses.

It supplies a wide variety of chemicals to a range of different industries, including textile, leather, chemical, metal, detergent, laundry, paper, leisure agricultural, water treatment and engineering.

Caldic said the deal would further cement its industry position, allowing the company to expand its operations into new markets whilst retaining the Omnichem brand.

Olav C. van Caldenborgh, chief executive of Caldic, said: "With the addition of acid and lyes, Omnichem further completes the portfolio of our products at Caldic UK.

"We chose this company because it's just like Caldic, very service oriented.

"Thanks to this acquisition we will be even more able to serve our customers and of course, Omnichem will directly contribute to the profit of Caldic."

Corporate lawyers at DLA Piper in Sheffield acted for Caldic on the acquisition.

Head of corporate law Richard May said: "Caldic represents an incredibly strong offering in our region – a business with excellent local and international connections that are enabling it to grow the business' market share through innovation and strong customer focus.

"DLA Piper was able to support this transaction using our own combination of strong local links and international knowledge, and I look forward to seeing this local business gain further strength in the market."