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The specialty chemicals industry in Europe plays a vital role in various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare. It involves companies manufacturing specific chemicals and formulations tailored for diverse applications, including coatings, adhesives, and agricultural products. The industry is embracing innovation to meet increasing demands for sustainability and high-performance solutions. Companies are now focusing on biobased materials and environmentally-friendly processes to capture Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ market’s shifting priorities. With advancements in technology and a push for regulatory compliance on environmental issues, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector is witnessing dynamic changes. This evolution positions specialty chemicals at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ forefront of sustainable industrial practices.

The roster of investors in Europe’s specialty chemicals industry features a mix of corporate and private equity firms, with headquarters spanning Luxembourg, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ UK. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se, firms range in size from small teams to expansive organizations with thousands of employees. Founded between 1665 and 1999, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y exhibit a consistent track record of activity; notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors collectively engaged in around 402 deals in 2024, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir significant involvement in driving growth within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

Top 14 Specialty Chemicals Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Socomore, which produces surface treatment products for aerospace applications, and multiple funding rounds for Pili, a company specializing in biobased indigo production. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector.

2. Novo Holdings

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ assets of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Novo Nordisk Foundation and primarily invests in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has participated in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, including investments in BioPhero, which raised funds to produce pheromones for pest control in agriculture, and Vestaron, which focuses on biopesticides. These investments highlight Novo Holdings' engagement in innovative chemical solutions that contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

3. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. The EIB supports sustainable projects across various sectors, catering to both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, such as providing debt financing to Evonik Industries, which raised approximately $547 million in March 2024, and to Umicore, which raised over $377 million in February 2024. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EIB's commitment to supporting key players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨reby reinforcing its role as a relevant investor in this sector.

4. Almi

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, including investments in companies like Svenska Aerogel, which focuses on innovative aerogel materials, and Circhem, which is engaged in chemical recycling and sustainable chemical solutions. These investments demonstrate Almi's commitment to supporting innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

5. Brenntag

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 1874
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn:

Brenntag SE, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading chemical distributor that specializes in connecting chemical manufacturers with users. The company serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, by simplifying access to complex supply chains. Brenntag has been actively expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals market through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of ALTIVIA Corporation for $125 million, which allowed Brenntag to enhance its distribution capabilities. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Fred Holmberg & Co for approximately $91.6 million and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ joint venture with Raj Petro Specialities Pvt. Ltd. to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Indian market furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Brenntag's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r significant acquisitions, such as Lionheart Chemical Enterprises, which serves Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage industry, highlight Brenntag's focus on expanding its specialty chemicals portfolio.

6. Azelis

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovative services. Founded in 2001, Azelis has grown to cater to over 63,000 customers across Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ life sciences and industrial sectors, offering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to specific market needs. In recent years, Azelis has made significant strides in expanding its market presence through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Chemiplas, a distributor of specialty chemicals in Australia and New Zealand, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ majority stakes in Asia Primera Kimika Inc. and Phil-Asiatic Supply & Services Inc. to strengÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨n Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Philippines. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Catalite Co, focusing on personal care and home care sectors in Thailand, and YDS Chemicals NV to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir local presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Benelux region. Their acquisition of Chemical Partners furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industrial chemicals market in Africa and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Middle East. These activities underscore Azelis' commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry and its growth strategy.

7. Sofinnova Partners

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn:

Sofinnova Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, particularly in biopharma and medtech sectors, providing funding and strategic guidance to innovative healthcare startups. Notably, Sofinnova has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, including leading a £15.4 million Series B funding round for Green Biologics, a UK-based chemicals producer, and participating in funding rounds for DMC Biotechnologies, which focuses on biotechnology applications. These investments highlight Sofinnova's engagement with companies that operate in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals space, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to fostering scientific advancements and sustainability in related fields.

8. Scottish Enterprise

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1991
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 55
• LinkedIn:

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity based in Glasgow, Scotland, established in 1991, with a mission to enhance economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in fostering business growth. Notably, it has supported companies in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, such as NiTech Solutions, which received £750,000 to develop innovative reactor systems for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise participated in funding rounds for CelluComp, a company focused on sustainable materials, indicating its engagement with innovative chemical solutions. Through its investment arm, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise plays a crucial role in supporting businesses that contribute to Scotland's economic landscape, including those in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry.

9. Indutrade Life Science

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1978
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of an industrial group that focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various sectors, including technology and industrial products. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ group's resources. Notably, Indutrade has made several acquisitions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, such as acti-Chem, which specializes in sustainable water treatment solutions, and Tecno Plast, which focuses on industrial applications. These transactions highlight Indutrade's commitment to expanding its footprint in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals market, making it a significant player in this field.

10. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Azelis, a global leader in specialty chemicals distribution, which had sales of approximately EUR 1.8 billion at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ time of acquisition. Additionally, EQT acquired Schülke & Mayr GmbH, a company involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ production of specialty chemicals for hygiene and infection prevention. These transactions highlight EQT's active role in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position as a relevant investor in this industry.

11. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The company specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Azelis, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, in 2007. In 2008, 3i acquired DC DruckChemie GmbH, a company specializing in printing chemicals, for â‚�133 million, highlighting its commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals market. Additionally, 3i's acquisition of Alpharma's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients business for approximately US$395 million furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores its involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemicals industry, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ pharmaceutical segment. These transactions reflect 3i's strategic focus on sectors that align with its investment philosophy, making it a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals space.

12. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately â‚�193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Taminco, a leading specialty chemicals company, for approximately $1.1 billion in 2007. They also acquired AOC, a resin company known for its specialty resin chemistries, in 2018. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, CVC's investment in Evonik Industries, a major player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals market, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus in this area. In 2024, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired a minority stake in Hempel, a company involved in paints and coatings, which also intersects with specialty chemicals. These transactions reflect CVC's commitment to delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry.

13. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. Founded in 1996, Ardian has established a global presence and focuses on sustainable finance, aiming to create lasting value for its clients. The firm has been actively investing in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, with notable transactions including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of CABB in 2006, which marked its entry into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemicals market. In 2014, Ardian acquired Italmatch Chemicals, a company generating significant revenues in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemical industry. The acquisition of ESIM Chemicals in 2015 furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidified Ardian's position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals space, as it aimed to enhance Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of its chemical business. Additionally, Ardian's investment in DRT, a green chemistry group, highlights its commitment to sustainable practices within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemicals sector. The acquisition of Corob in 2018, a leader in automation solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ chemical and coatings industries, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Ardian's strategic focus on enhancing its portfolio in specialty chemicals.

14. Eurazeo

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn:

Eurazeo is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has established a significant presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment management landscape, focusing on growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made several investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry, including Seqens, which raised funds in 2016, Groupe Berkem, which secured funding in 2018, and Olmix SA, which received investment in 2019. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's commitment to supporting companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals sector, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir role as a relevant investor in this field.

Specialty Chemicals Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Hellerup, Denmark	51-200	1999	45
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
	Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+	1874	8
	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	51-200	1972	25
	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1991	55
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1978	14
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specialty chemicals industry?

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