On 31st March 2008 Safic Alcan, a leader in distribution to the polymer industry, acquired Eggar & Co (Chemicals) Ltd in order to benefit from their strong coatings position in the UK.

Safic Alcan founded in 1847 is now N°1 in specialty chemicals distribution for the rubber industry in Europe. With the distribution of Eastman Chemical, Hexion and Sasol for the paraffin wax, Safic also has a strong presence in the distribution to the coatings and inks industries, notably in France, Spain, Portugal and Benelux. It also has important developments in fine chemicals product distribution for the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. Group Turnover in 2007 was around M€258.

Safic-Alcan already has 300 employees world-wide and expects to build on their existing UK businesses through this acquisition.

The Eggar range of products in Surface Coatings, Inks, Mineral Hydrocarbons, Performance Chemicals and Polymers are all complimentary to the existing portfolio offered by Safic-Alcan UK Limited of Rubber, Plastics, Adhesives and Fine Chemicals.

The acquisition of Eggar will increase Safic Alcan’s turnover in the UK from €22M to around €30M on an annual basis.

The combined expertise and enhanced product range will add to the "one stop shop" concept to streamline supply chains and maintain the best possible competitive prices.

For the foreseeable future Eggar & Co (Chemicals) Ltd will continue to trade from the same premises in Theale, Reading under the existing name.