Vertellus has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ESIM Chemicals’ intermediates and specialties division, a leading provider of specialty chemical products serving the pharmaceutical, coatings, and fuel & lubricant markets. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1857, Vertellus is a leading provider of specialty products for the healthcare, personal care, food & agriculture, coatings, and transportation markets. The company manufactures more than 700 products that are used in medical devices, vitamins, health & beauty applications, crop protection, and additives for fuel & lube applications. Vertellus serves customers across the globe from 10 manufacturing facilities located in the United States, United Kingdom, India, and China. Indianapolis-based Vertellus is owned by Pritzker Private Capital and management.

“This acquisition is directly in line with Vertellus’ strategy to become a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and solutions through both internal growth and acquisitions of complementary customer-focused businesses. We are excited to welcome the IM Chemicals team to the Vertellus family,” said John Van Hulle, CEO of Vertellus.

Jim Elliott, vice president and general manager of Vertellus’ Anhydrides & Specialties business, said “IM Chemicals is a perfect fit with Vertellus. The acquisition enhances our ability to meet the needs of our global customer base for specialized products and solutions, adding additional production capacities in Europe and expanding our product offerings into new markets.”

Thomas Chadwick, principal at Pritzker Private Capital, added “The acquisition of IM Chemicals will expand Vertellus’ capabilities to deliver innovative specialty products and solutions to its customers. IM Chemicals is a strong fit with Vertellus’ strategy of using add-on acquisitions to accelerate growth in key markets, including health and beauty, coatings, specialty lubricants, as well as select food and crop protection markets.”