Simpson Thacher represented Azelis S.A., a portfolio company of Apax Partners L.P., in its purchase of KDG Holdings, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in December 2015, following the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
KDG Holdings wholly owns Koda Distribution Group, Inc., which is the largest and most diversified distributor of specialty chemicals in North America. Azelis, based in Europe, is a leading global specialist chemicals distributor with sales in Europe and Asia Pacific, and its acquisition of U.S.-based KDG Holdings will extend its leadership position into North America.
The Simpson Thacher team included Ryerson Symons, Daniel Layfield, David Daniels, and Alejandro Milá Valle (M&A); Derek Baird, Adam Wollstein and Rita Soares (M&A – London); Brian Steinhardt, Lucy Jenkins, and Ambarish Dash (Credit); Michael Isby and Louise Kruger (Environmental); Brian Robbins, Douglas Tang and Meaghan Krupa (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits); Genevieve Dorment and Monica Chan (Intellectual Property); Gary Mandel and Sophie Staples (Tax); Peter Guryan and Richard Jamgochian (Competition); and Laura Twomey (Personal Planning).