Compounder and polymer distributor Ravago NV (Moerenstraat 89, B-2370 Arendonk) has acquired the UK distributor Resin Express Ltd (11 The Valley Centre, Gordon Road, GB-High Wycombe HP13 6EQ). The move clearly signals Ravago's strategy to build up its existing distributor network for polymers, which largely operates under its subsidiary company Resinex.

Resin Express was established in 1986 and has become a leading distributor of engineering resins in the UK. It will continue to be managed by its former owner, Michael Kakos. Details of the acquisition were not revealed but in 1996 Resin Express achieved sales of GBP 21m.

Ravago NV is one of the largest polyolefin traders in Europe with sales in the region of 300-350,000 t annually including recycled materials and compounds. Its sales networks covers Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Greece, Italy and Switzerland. The acquisition of Resin Express will considerably enhance the company's presence in the UK market, where it currently has a 50% participation in Yardley Plastics (Caddick Road, Knowsley Industrial Park South, Prescot, GB-Merseyside L34 9HP), a medium-sized compounder and distributor.