Brenntag Acquires Schoofs, Names New Regional President (Online Exclusive)

Global chemical distributor Brenntag is not just California dreaming; it has just acquired West Coast specialty chemicals distributor Schoofs, Inc., based in Moraga, Calif. It also named Steven M. Pozzi as president of Brenntag Pacific, based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. No price was disclosed for the acquisition.

The Schoofs operation will become part of Brenntag’s national subsidiary Brenntag Specialties, selling process chemical lines to the booming energy and process industries. Schoofs handles a range of silicas, aluminas, absorbents, and catalysts. The firm has a large presence throughout California, as well as north into Oregon and Washington. Inland production of oil and gas in California has grown in recent years with new techniques for stimulating flow from older wells. Schoofs also provides technical sales and service capabilities.

Stephen P. Brauer, president of Brenntag Specialties, called Schoofs a "quality, niche acquisition that supports our North American strategy of growing our specialty chemical business in selected industries. Our two businesses are complementary in products and markets, and the unified company will further enhance our capabilities in the western United States."


William A. Fidler, president of Brenntag North America, announced Pozzi’s promotion to president of Brenntag Pacific. Pozzi was most recently executive vice president of Brenntag Pacific, and before that, president of Quadra Chemicals, which was acquired by Brenntag in 2005.

"Steve Pozzi has a track record of outstanding results throughout his career," says Fidler. "With our recent acquisitions of Quadra Chemicals and L.A. Chemical we have continued high expectations for growth in our Pacific Region, and believe that Steve is the right person to lead those efforts."

Brenntag, with global headquarters in Mulheim, Germany, is active in both chemical distribution and trading in Europe, North America and worldwide with more than 300 locations and 11,000 people in 55 countries. The parent corporation recorded 2007 external sales of $ 9.1 billion.

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