Stockmeier Group expands presence in Europe with a stake in HDS-Chemie
As of January 1, 2017, Stockmeier Chemie GmbH & Co. KG has acquired an ownership interest in HDS-Chemie Handels GesmbH in Vienna.
With this strategic partnership, the Bielefeld-based group is expanding its European network with sites in Vienna, Bratislava (Slovakia) and Iasi (Romania). It can now also serve the markets in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria and Macedonia. The business of SFC Stockmeier in Vienna will be merged into HDS-Chemie beginning on March 1, 2017.
Focus on speciality chemicals
Managing Partner Christian Schuster will lead the family business HDS-Chemie. Schuster is part of the second generation of the founding family. With him and HDS-Chemie, the Stockmeier Group now has a strong partner in Eastern Europe with which it can carry business forward with many customers and supplier partners in the new markets.
“We’re pleased to be able to welcome HDS-Chemie as a new member in our company. With this strategic partnership, we’re planning on expanded market penetration through a high-quality distribution channel in Austria and Eastern Europe with a clear focus on speciality chemicals,” says Peter Stockmeier.
Support along the growth course
To achieve the objective of a strong market position in Austria and Eastern Europe, well-trained employees were needed locally in the countries involved. HDS-Chemie has been successfully putting this philosophy into practice ever since the company was founded in 1949.
“With the sale of company shares to the Stockmeier Group, we gain a strong partner at our side to give us long-term support along the growth course we’ve embarked on. We believe strongly in the work we’re doing together, both in business terms and on a human level,” says Christian Schuster of the decision to partner with the Stockmeier Group.
