Agricultural products, animal nutrients, and specialty chemicals marketer and distributor Wilbur-Ellis is expanding its foothold in the North American specialty chemicals market with the acquisition of Nachurs Alpine Solutions (NAS), a manufacturer of specialty liquid chemicals used in various industrial sectors, transportation, energy, and agriculture. 

The deal with NAS represents the largest purchase in the firm’s history, Wilbur-Ellis said in a November 20 press release announcing the transaction. NAS produces liquid fertilizer, fluids for the energy industry, and de-icing and freeze prevention solutions for transportation and mining applications. 

“NAS is a great strategic fit for Wilbur-Ellis,” the company’s president and chief executive officer, John Buckley, said in a statement. “It supports our One Wilbur-Ellis strategy, which promotes collaboration and leveraging our resources, experiences, and knowledge across our businesses to add value and better serve customers.”

When the deal closes, NAS will become a new business division of Wilbur-Ellis. Jeff Barnes, the president and CEO of NAS, will continue to lead the business after the transaction is completed and report to Buckley. Sales of NAS products will continue under its existing brands, which include NACHURS and ALPINE liquid fertilizers and Nachurs Alpine Solutions Industrial (NASi).   

In addition to expanding its presence in specialty chemicals in the region, Wilbur-Ellis also said the purchase allows it to enter new markets like de-icing and freeze prevention solutions. NAS’ offerings for the energy industry and animal nutrients will complement Wilbur-Ellis’ specialty chemicals and ingredients business, Connell, and its Nutrition division. 

“NAS has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to innovate. Over the past five years, the company has launched over 50 new products, which has provided greater stability in changing markets and contributed significantly to their product portfolio,” said Buckley. 

Established in 1945, NAS currently operates seven manufacturing plants and more than 85 distribution terminals in the US and Canada. 

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