Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group Enters Brazilian Market Through Acquisition of Tubexpress

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Feb 03, 2014, 09:00 ET

ZWIJNDRECHT, The Netherlands, February 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group has acquired Tubexpress, a Brazilian distribution company supplying pipes and tubes to the (petro)chemical and oil and gas industry. The acquisition is effective from the 1^st of January, 2014.

Van Leeuwen's strategy is aimed at expanding and strengthening its market positions in several countries and industrial segments through acquisitions and autonomous growth. Acquisitions are aimed at expanding specialisms, and enlarging the company's geographical footprint. The acquisition in Brazil is in line with this growth strategy.

Tubexpress, founded in 1990 and located in Brazil, is a stock holding distributor offering high quality products according to ISO 9000 standards, and has extensive product knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas market. The company has two branches in Brazil, in Osasco and São Carlos, both in the state of São Paulo, and employs around 65 people.

The founder and present Managing Director, Mr. Mario Zupo, will transfer his day to day responsibilities but will remain closely involved for the next two years, to ensure a smooth transition and to further expand the business. With Tubexpress the focus of Van Leeuwen in Brazil will primarily be on the international energy market, specifically the oil and gas segment.

Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Board of the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group:

"With the takeover of Tubexpress, Van Leeuwen expands yet again its global footprint, following the recent expansion of activities in for instance Africa, Asia, and the USA. The acquisition provides us a platform for growth particularly in the oil and gas segment in Brazil. Local customers will profit from Van Leeuwen's worldwide network and expertise, and we can serve our international customers in Brazil."

Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group

The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international trading company specializing in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The company is active in virtually all industrial sectors. The company was founded in 1924. The Group has fifty branches spread throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, North and South America.

http://www.vanleeuwen.com

SOURCE Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group