Audax Private Equity (“Audax”) has completed the sale of KODA Distribution Group (“KDG”) to Azelis Group (“Azelis”), a portfolio company of funds advised by Apax Partners. Azelis is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium and is a leading global specialty chemicals distributor with revenues over €1 billion.
KDG is a leading specialty chemical distributor in North America. Since Audax’ initial investment in 2010, KDG has completed seven acquisitions, transforming from a regional CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers) focused distributor to a multi-vertical distributor to the CASE, Specialty Agriculture, Personal Care, Industrial, and Pharma/Nutrition end markets with presence across all of North America.
Geoffrey S. Rehnert, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Audax Group, said: “We congratulate Frank Bergonzi and his team on successfully building KDG through seven acquisitions and expanding into new end markets and geographies. We have enjoyed partnering with Frank and his team to execute our acquisition strategy.”
Frank Bergonzi, Chief Executive Officer, Koda Distribution Group, said: “Audax has been a great partner and resource in helping our team transform through seven acquisitions into one of the leading specialty chemicals distribution platforms in North America.”
Harris Williams & Co. and William Blair advised KDG. Ropes & Gray, Burns & Levinson, and Stikeman Elliott served as legal counsel to KDG.
About KODA Distribution Group:
KODA Distribution Group (KDG) is a leader in specialty chemical distribution in the U.S. and Canada. KDG is organized around industry verticals in North America by the following focus markets: Canada, CASE, Specialty Agriculture, CARE, Life Sciences, Construction, and Industrial (Plastics, Lubrication & Metalworking). Each industry vertical shares similar approaches to their markets: deep technical expertise and market knowledge; a service platform that includes marketing and product management; a network of technical centers (application labs) to support customers; a focus on customer intimacy; and an absolute devotion to customer service. KDG is headquartered in Stamford, CT.
