News Markets & Companies
IMCD grows EBITA by 8 % in first half of 2026
The speciality chemicals distributor has posted an operating EBITA of EUR 285 million for the first half of 2026, representing an 8 % increase on a constant currency basis. Revenue rose to EUR 2,638 million, supported by both organic growth and recently completed acquisitions.
IMCD, the Rotterdam-based distributor and formulation partner for speciality chemicals and ingredients, has published its results for the first six months of 2026. Revenue reached EUR 2,638 million, up 7 % (11 % on a constant currency basis), while operating EBITA rose 4 % to EUR 285 million (+8 % currency-adjusted). Free cash flow grew by 29 % to EUR 222 million. Gross profit increased by 4 % to EUR 658 million, though the gross profit margin declined by 0.7 percentage points to 24.9 %, partly due to the lower average margins of recently acquired companies and shifts in product mix.
The EMEA segment delivered the strongest performance, with revenue up 15 % to EUR 1,225.0 million and operating EBITA rising 15 % to EUR 142.9 million, supported by 5 % organic growth and acquisition contributions. In Asia-Pacific, revenue grew 6 % to EUR 676.6 million (+14 % on a constant currency basis), with operating EBITA up 3 % to EUR 89.1 million. The Americas segment contracted, with revenue falling 4 % to EUR 736.8 million and operating EBITA declining 16 % to EUR 70.0 million, driven by organic contraction and adverse currency effects.
Acquisitions and strategic expansion continue in 2026
IMCD completed the acquisitions of Dong Yang FT in South Korea and Willows Ingredients in Ireland and the UK during the reporting period. On 26 June 2026, the company signed an agreement to acquire Merit Solution, a Bangkok-based distributor of additives for the plastics and compounding industry in Thailand, with approximately EUR 11 million in 2025 revenues and 24 employees. Completion is expected in Q3 2026. Net debt stood at EUR 1,559.6 million as at 30 June 2026, with a leverage ratio of 2.8 times EBITDA, well within the permitted maximum of 4.25.
CEO Marcus Jordan commented: “We have had a positive first half of the year, achieving gross profit and EBITA organic growth alongside increased free cash flow generation. I’m proud of how our teams navigate the dynamic environment whilst maintaining a sharp focus on building long-term partnerships with both our customers and suppliers.” IMCD acknowledged that macroeconomic and political uncertainty makes future demand difficult to predict, but stated confidence in its business model and commercial capabilities.
