Azelis Expands Italian Presence with ACEF Acquisition
Deal News | Jul 09, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity

Azelis, a Belgium-based provider of innovation services within the specialty chemicals and food ingredients sector, recently completed the acquisition of the Italian company Azienda Chimica e Farmaceutica (ACEF) and its subsidiary Arda Natura. The procurement of the shares, previously held by A.G.A., was facilitated by Banca Investis' Capital Markets & Corporate Advisory team. This acquisition enhances Azelis' presence in Italy and solidifies its position as a market leader. Founded in 1940, ACEF prospers in distributing raw materials and specialized ingredients for the cosmetic, nutraceutical, galenic, and pharmaceutical industries. It boasts over 70 employees and cultivates an extensive network of suppliers serving more than 4,000 clients. The seamless integration of ACEF's comprehensive portfolio into Azelis' value chain strengthens the company’s grip within its target markets. Commentaries from both ACEF and Azelis executives underscore their excitement about combining talents and expanding capabilities to deliver superior solutions to clients.
Sectors
- Specialty Chemicals
- Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- Cosmetics Industry
Geography
- Italy – Italy is the country where ACEF is based, and where Azelis is expanding its footprint through this acquisition.
- Belgium – Belgium is the home base of Azelis, which is expanding its international operations through this transaction.
Industry
- Specialty Chemicals – Involves the distribution and innovation of specialty chemicals, relevant as Azelis is a notable player in this sector.
- Pharmaceutical Ingredients – Pertains to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical distribution industry, as ACEF specializes in these areas.
- Cosmetics Industry – Includes the distribution of cosmetics ingredients, which is one of ACEF's key business areas and contributory to Azelis’ expansion.
Financials
- 4.2 billion euros – Revenue reported by Azelis at the close of 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azelis | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | A global provider of innovation services in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients sectors. |
| ACEF (Azienda Chimica e Farmaceutica) | Target Company | Company | An established distributor of raw materials and specialized ingredients for the cosmetic, nutraceutical, galenic, and pharmaceutical industries in Italy. |
| Arda Natura | Subsidiary of Target Company | Company | Specializes in the production of plant extracts and natural origin ingredients. |
| EQT Partners | Private Equity Firm | Company | A leading private equity firm that is a stakeholder in Azelis. |
| Banca Investis | Financial Advisor | Company | The financial advisory firm that assisted A.G.A. in the transaction. |