Family shareholders, managers of Lavollée Group, and Waterland join forces to create an independent leader in specialty ingredient distribution: SIDG

Paris, 22 January 2025 – Lavollée, Firmalis, and Sipa A.Ch Berthier, key players in the distribution of specialty ingredients, have partnered with the investment fund Waterland to become the independent leader in the sector. The Group has strong roots dating back over 60 years and a vision focused on the life sciences sectors (food, nutrition, health, cosmetics, pharma, etc.) and industrial specialty applications (CASE, IFL, etc.). These three companies will form the core of a new European Specialty Ingredients Distribution Group: SIDG (Specialty Ingredients Distribution Group).

A growth partnership to build a pan-european leader
Waterland Private Equity has partnered with SIDG to strengthen and spur its growth, leveraging its expertise in the Group’s target markets and its experience in supporting midsized companies, with European ambitions. This partnership will rely on a sustained growth strategy that will respect Lavollée’s family business model and DNA. SIDG will maintain the know-how and commitment of the historic teams, who were keen to invest in this partnership alongside Waterland and Hervé ORY-LAVOLLEE who will continue as Chairman and CEO of SIDG.

“The specialty ingredient and chemicals distribution industry faces significant challenges and opportunities, which will require adaptations and investments in the near future. To address this, it is key for the Lavollée Group to partner with a player able to support the group at a faster pace. The alliance with Waterland will allow us to develop a network of companies similar to ours, both in terms of their model and their management. This collaboration is based on the same philosophy as Waterland’s: maintaining teams in place and preserving their strengths i.e. process simplicity, agility, responsiveness, transparency with our partners, and therefore, efficiency,” said Hervé ORY-LAVOLLEE, Chairman & CEO of the Lavollée Group.

“This acquisition marks a new milestone for Firmalis and represents a unique opportunity to continue growing and developing our expertise within a strong financial backing. We remain fully committed to offering our customers the highest quality ingredients, flavors, and technical support, while continuing our mission with the same values and vision. We are very excited to work with Waterland to build the future of our Food & Nutrition business units. This strategic alliance will strengthen our market position, accelerate our growth, and continue our mission of innovation in the sector,” explained Mathieu Tixier, BU Manager of Firmalis.

“We are delighted to be actively involved in the development of Lavollée, Firmalis, Sipa A.Ch Berthier, and the SIDG group. This partnership is rooted in a unique combination of skills and know-how to build a pan-European player in specialty ingredients distribution. We are confident that supporting this family business, that shares our values, will be a huge success,” said Louis Huetz and Xavier Rehman Fawcett, Partner and Principal at Waterland Private Equity.

About SIDG
Specialty Ingredients Distribution Group (SIDG) is a group engaged in the distribution of specialty ingredients, with deep expertise in life sciences sectors (food & nutrition, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, as well as raw materials for fragrances and flavors) and industry (coatings, adhesives, polymers, lubricants, water treatment, chemicals, and minerals).
Supported by Waterland, an internationally recognized investment fund known for backing high-ambition projects, SIDG is led by the Lavollée family and its historic shareholder managers. SIDG was created to unite the strengths of Lavollée, a historic player, and Firmalis, a specialist in food and nutrition. Together, they are building a future focused on excellence, innovation, and responsibility.

Our Brands, Our Foundations:
– Lavollée
With over 60 years of recognized expertise, Lavollée serves the life sciences sectors (cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) and industry (CASE, paints, IFL, chemicals, and H&I).
– Firmalis
A reference in nutrition and food, Firmalis provides tailored solutions to the growing needs of the markets, always with a focus on innovation and quality.
– Sipa A.Ch. Berthier
A renowned distributor based in Grasse for over 60 years, specializing in the distribution of raw materials for the fragrance and flavor (F&F) industries.
Our Vision:
We aim to strengthen our activities in our historical markets while exploring new opportunities with a measured and sustainable approach. By placing people, expertise, flexibility, and innovation at the core of our priorities, we aim to be a trusted partner in driving the transformation of the industries we serve.
Our Commitments:
• Quality and Expertise: We select products meeting the highest standards to ensure reliable and effective solutions.
• Innovation and Anticipation: We develop offerings tailored to new consumer and industry expectations, integrating more sustainable solutions.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, promoting responsible supply chains, and valuing environmentally respectful practices.
• Sustainable Partnerships: With a focus on trust and transparency, we build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients, suppliers, and collaborators.

 

Press Contacts:
Naël Madi – waterland@the-arcane.com | +33 6 21 93 22 14
Laurence Van Doosselaere – vandoosselaere@waterland.be | +32 473 88 05 21