Brenntag agreed to acquire UK-based Airedale Group, strengthening its blending capabilities, product portfolio, and regional market presence.
Brenntag, the world’s leading distributor of chemicals and ingredients, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Airedale Group, a well-established specialty chemical distributor headquartered in Keighley, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The proposed transaction represents another strategic step in Brenntag’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional footprint and expand its value-added service capabilities across the UK market.
Through this acquisition, Brenntag will gain access to Airedale’s deep technical expertise and its advanced blending and formulation operations, which are regarded as a key competitive strength within the UK chemical distribution landscape. These capabilities will be integrated into Brenntag’s existing UK network, enabling the combined organization to offer customers a broader and more sophisticated range of products and solutions. Customers across diverse end-use industries are expected to benefit from improved service reliability, enhanced technical support, and access to a wider product portfolio supported by both local infrastructure and Brenntag’s extensive global supply chain.
The transaction also reinforces Brenntag’s commitment to investing in regional platforms that complement its global reach. By leveraging Airedale’s established regional logistics and customer relationships, Brenntag aims to further optimize supply chain efficiency and responsiveness while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and sustainability. The integration is expected to unlock operational synergies and strengthen Brenntag’s ability to deliver customized chemical solutions tailored to specific customer needs.
Russel Argo, President of Brenntag Essentials EMEA, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting that Airedale has built a strong and highly respected business over several decades. He emphasized that Brenntag looks forward to welcoming Airedale’s experienced team and building on the company’s long-standing relationships with customers and supply partners. According to Argo, the combination will further expand Brenntag’s portfolio of value-added services and reinforce its position as a trusted partner across multiple industries.
Founded in 1973, Airedale began its journey as a small dye trading business and has since evolved into a diversified chemical distributor through consistent growth and thoughtful product expansion. Over the years, the company has invested significantly in modern technologies and operational capabilities, while also pursuing strategic acquisitions to broaden its market presence. Today, Airedale serves customers across several sectors, including food and beverage manufacturing and metal surface treatment, among others. In 2024, the Airedale Group reported annual revenues of approximately GBP 81 million, underscoring its solid financial performance and market relevance.
Chris Chadwick, Executive Chairman of the Airedale Group, described the agreement as a natural progression in the company’s long-term growth strategy. He noted that Airedale’s ambitions for expansion and diversification have always been central to its development and that joining forces with a global organization like Brenntag creates new opportunities to accelerate growth. Chadwick expressed enthusiasm about the next chapter for Airedale’s employees, customers, and supply partners as part of a truly international chemical distribution group.
The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions, including certain third-party approvals. The transaction is currently expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
