Azelis Completes Acquisition of ACEF
Deal News | Jul 09, 2025 | Legal Community Italy

Azelis, a prominent group in the distribution of specialty chemicals and ingredients for industrial and life sciences, has completed the acquisition of Acef, an Italian company known for its distribution of raw materials and specialty ingredients in cosmetic, nutraceutical, galenic, and pharmaceutical sectors. This acquisition includes ACEF's subsidiary, Arda Natura, specializing in plant extracts and natural ingredients. The deal was finalized following the fulfillment of specific legal conditions, executed by Azelis with EQT Partners AB as a reference stakeholder. The legal support for this transaction involved major law firms: PedersoliGattai assisted Azelis, while Gianni & Origoni provided legal counsel to the seller A.G.A. Azelis' advisory team was led by Ascanio Cibrario from PedersoliGattai, with comprehensive support covering M&A, labor law, Golden Power, and antitrust matters. ACEF, founded in 1940, offers a broad product range to over 4,000 clients in its sectors, supported by GMP-compliant facilities and a strong workforce of 70 professionals.
Sectors
- Chemicals Industry
- Pharmaceutical Industry
Geography
- Italy – ACEF and its subsidiary Arda Natura are based in Italy.
- Belgium – Azelis is listed on the Brussels stock exchange in Belgium.
Industry
- Chemicals Industry – Azelis operates within the distribution of specialty chemicals.
- Pharmaceutical Industry – ACEF's operations in raw material distribution and GMP-compliant pharmaceutical ingredients production is significant.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azelis | Acquiring Company | Company | Distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients. |
| ACEF | Target Company | Company | Distributor of pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients in Italy. |
| EQT Partners AB | Shareholder | Company | Reference stakeholder in Azelis, facilitating strategic acquisitions. |
| PedersoliGattai | Legal Advisor to Acquirer | Company | Legal firm advising Azelis on all legal matters of the acquisition. |
| Gianni & Origoni | Legal Advisor to Seller | Company | Provided legal counsel to A.G.A, selling ACEF. |