Ownership changes in the European plastics distribution sector are still the order of the day. The latest move is the takeover of the leading Austrian plastics distributor Interowa GmbH (Bräuhausgasse 3-5, A-1050 Vienna) by the German Biesterfeld group (Ferdinandstr. 41, D-20095 Hamburg). Interowa specialises in technical plastics, standard polymers and speciality chemicals. According to Biesterfeld, the long-standing distribution partnership and the companies ´ “harrmonious cooperation” have shown that they have “considerable synergies and common goals.”

This in mind, the German distributor says the founding of a new company, Biesterfeld-Interowa GmbH, under the leadership of long-time Biesterfeld manager Ferdinand Loschmidt is a “logical development.” The acquisition is an additional step in Biesterfeld´s pan-European strategy. Alongside existing offices in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Italy and Poland, the distributor now has a presence in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia and Yugoslavia.

With the Austrian takeover, Rainer Huneke of Biesterfeld Plastic GmbH told PIE, the group is expanding its services in “Europe´s strongest growth region” through central European product management, rapid introduction of new products, a professionally competent external sales force, assistance with applications, and decentralised storage facilities.

Moreover, he said, the group´s customers will see an “optimal structure,” that will allow both sides to reach common market targets “faster and more efficiently.” And he added that “with its presence in 19 countries, Biesterfeld will take a leading position in the European plastics industry.