IMCD Group acquires Willows Ingredients

IMCD N.V., a global distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has agreed to acquire Willows Ingredients Group Limited for €26 million (approximately $28 million). This acquisition aims to bolster IMCD's footprint in the food and nutrition sector within the UK and Ireland.

Willows Ingredients, headquartered in Ireland, is a distributor specializing in health, sports, and animal nutrition. In 2024, the company reported revenues equating to the acquisition price. Operating with a team of 26 employees, Willows Ingredients is known for its expertise in technical support and strong customer relationships. The deal involves the acquisition of all Willows Ingredients' shares and remains subject to customary closing conditions, with finalization expected in the first quarter of 2026.

The strategic acquisition will enable IMCD to enhance its presence in high-growth food and nutrition markets by leveraging Willows Ingredients' established supplier partnerships. The integration is expected to expand IMCD’s portfolio, facilitating greater access to customers in the UK and Ireland. Margot de Bruin, Managing Director of IMCD UK & Ireland, underscored the significance of the acquisition as a key move in the company’s regional expansion and diversification strategy in food and nutrition.

The addition of Willows Ingredients aligns with sector trends where companies are intensifying focus on specialized nutrition areas. The move comes as competitors seek to differentiate through technical expertise and bespoke customer solutions in the flourishing nutrition sector. By absorbing a local entity with deep market comprehension and relationships, IMCD could potentially expedite market penetration and innovation within the nutrition and health verticals.

As the transaction moves toward completion, it is anticipated that Willows Ingredients' integration into IMCD's global framework will unlock new growth opportunities. The companies intend to collaborate extensively to provide enhanced solutions, with an emphasis on combining local insights and global reach to meet evolving market needs. Further regulatory and closing conditions will be addressed prior to the anticipated closing date in early 2026.