Oleon acquires majority stake in Brazilian oleochemical company A.Azevedo Óleos

Oleon, a subsidiary of Avril and a global supplier of natural oleochemicals, has taken a major step towards global expansion by acquiring a majority stake in A.Azevedo Óleos, a well-known Brazilian oleochemical company specializing in castor oil and its derivatives.

The acquisition of A.Azevedo Óleos provides Oleon with a significant strategic advantage in its expansion into the South American market, especially Brazil, which offers significant growth opportunities. By integrating A.Azevedo Óleos's operations into its strong global network, Oleon not only expands into new regions, but also strengthens its ability to serve customers around the world more effectively. Leveraging A.Azevedo Óleos' diverse products, especially the well-reputed castor oil derivatives, Oleon is also able to expand its product portfolio and meet the needs of multiple industries for high-end products made from sustainable raw materials.

“This acquisition is a key moment for Oleon’s expansion into South America,” said Moussa Naciri, Oleon CEO. “With our strong presence in Europe and Asia and our recent investments in the United States, it is essential to consolidate our foothold in the Brazilian market, which we see as having long-term growth potential, especially in the lubricants and personal care sectors.”

“This is a decisive move in the history of A.Azevedo Óleos, and I am sure it will bring great benefits to all of the company’s stakeholders and enhance its global position. It is a great honor to work with Oleon to build a better future together,” said Andrés Morales, a member of the founding family who will remain with the company as CEO.

Jean-Philippe Puig, CEO of Avril, stressed the importance of this acquisition for the entire Group, "This acquisition delivers on one of the priorities of Avril's new strategic plan, Vision 2030, by achieving geographical diversification. By integrating A.Azevedo Óleos into our global operations, we strengthen our commitment to sustainable agriculture and renewable bio-based solutions. The ability to grow and source key raw materials locally supports both environmental responsibility and the well-being of rural communities, which is fully aligned with Avril's purpose of serving the planet."

This acquisition is in line with Avril's mission to promote sustainable agricultural and industrial practices, and also reinforces Oleon's dedication to environmental and social responsibility. A.Azevedo Óleos works closely with local farmers to ensure sustainable castor bean cultivation practices, supporting Oleon's agricultural development that respects the planet. This local sourcing strategy not only brings important economic benefits to the rural economy, especially in Bahia, where castor bean cultivation is an important source of income for the community, but also fits in with Oleon's broader goals of supporting local development and protecting natural resources.