EV Group Expands Eastward with Polish Specialty Chemical Acquisition

PERO, Italy – January 22, 2026 – In a significant move signaling a strategic push into Central and Eastern Europe, Italian specialty chemicals leader Eigenmann & Veronelli Group (“EV Group”) has announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Cornelius Polska. The deal brings a well-established Polish distributor into the fold of the Milan-based giant, aiming to strengthen EV Group's European footprint and unlock new growth avenues in high-demand sectors.

The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. It marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing consolidation of Europe's specialty chemicals distribution landscape, where scale and regional expertise are becoming increasingly critical for success.

A Calculated Advance into a Key European Market

The acquisition is a cornerstone of EV Group’s strategy to expand its presence across the continent. Poland represents a highly attractive market, with its chemical industry valued at approximately EUR 97 billion in 2023 and constituting a substantial 18% of the nation's total industrial output. Despite recent headwinds from geopolitical and energy-related challenges, the sector has demonstrated robust long-term growth, making it a prime target for strategic investment.

Cornelius Polska, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Warsaw, has carved out a strong niche as a key partner for international suppliers. With a team of around 28 specialists and reported annual revenues of approximately EUR 16 million in 2025, the company has built a loyal customer base across the beauty & personal care, food, and various industrial markets. This deep local knowledge and established commercial infrastructure were key attractions for EV Group.

“This is an important milestone in expanding our footprint in Europe,” said Gabriele Bonomi, CEO of EV Group, in a statement. “Cornelius Polska brings deep local market knowledge, a loyal customer base, and a strong platform for growth across multiple applications, making it a real asset for our partners, teams, and suppliers across Europe.”

By integrating Cornelius Polska, the Italian firm gains an immediate and significant foothold in Poland, a hub for the broader Central and Eastern European region. This move allows EV Group to leverage an existing, efficient distribution network rather than building one from the ground up, accelerating its market penetration and competitive positioning against other major players in the region like BASF Polska and Grupa CIECH.

Forging Synergies in High-Value Sectors

The strategic fit between the two companies extends beyond geography. EV Group, a centenarian firm with a 2025 turnover of EUR 340 million, brings a vast portfolio of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, alongside extensive manufacturing capabilities and technical support services. Cornelius Polska complements this with a curated product range and specialized expertise, particularly in the personal care sector, where its offerings include abrasives, emollients, UV filters, and natural ingredients.

This combination is poised to create significant synergies. Customers of Cornelius Polska are expected to gain access to EV Group's broader product portfolio, including innovative solutions like bioactive peptides for skincare, which the Italian company already distributes in other parts of Europe. This enhanced offering, backed by EV Group's global supply chain and R&D resources, could provide Polish and regional manufacturers with a competitive edge in developing next-generation products.

For suppliers, the integration promises a more powerful distribution channel. Their products will now be part of a larger, more diversified European network, potentially increasing market reach and stability. The emphasis on continuity from both parties suggests a smooth transition is a top priority.

“We are also pleased to welcome a highly experienced and skilled team that will add significant value to our organization and ensure continuity in established customer and supplier relationships,” Bonomi added, underscoring the value placed on the Polish firm's human capital.

Consolidation as a Catalyst for Growth

This acquisition is emblematic of a broader trend within the global specialty chemicals distribution sector. Faced with pricing pressures, competition from emerging markets, and the increasing complexity of supply chains, companies are turning to mergers and acquisitions to drive revenue, achieve economies of scale, and optimize their portfolios. By acquiring regional specialists like Cornelius Polska, larger players like EV Group can rapidly gain market share and specialized knowledge in high-growth niches.

The specialty chemicals market itself is a hotbed for investment, fueled by relentless consumer and industrial demand for innovation. Sectors such as personal care, health and nutrition, and advanced industrial applications require sophisticated ingredients and formulations to meet evolving standards for performance, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Distributors play a crucial role in this value chain, acting as more than just intermediaries; they provide technical formulation support, regulatory know-how, and market intelligence.

The partnership between EV Group and Cornelius Group is not new. In January 2025, EV Group took a minority stake in the parent company, Cornelius Group plc, signaling a long-term strategic alignment. The divestment of the Polish subsidiary appears to be a planned evolution of that relationship, allowing each party to focus on its core strengths while deepening their collaboration.

Dr. Neville Prior, Chairman of the Cornelius Group, framed the deal in terms of future opportunities. “Cornelius Polska has been an important part of our organisation for many years, and we are extremely proud of what the team has accomplished. Joining EV Group creates new opportunities for both the business and its people, and I am confident this transition will deliver lasting value for customers and partners.”

As the transaction proceeds toward its expected close in early 2026, pending review by regulatory bodies such as Poland's Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), the industry will be watching closely. The successful integration of Cornelius Polska will not only strengthen EV Group's European ambitions but also serve as a compelling case study on how strategic acquisitions are reshaping the future of chemical distribution.