March 2, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. — March 2, 2009 — Connell Bros. Company (CBC), a division of Wilbur-Ellis Co., announced today that it has purchased Newson International Ltd. (Newson). With locations in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai, Newson distributes ingredients and fine chemicals to manufacturers of various personal care products, such as cosmetics, make-up and other items for health and beauty care.
“Newson has a long history of providing quality personal care ingredients in China,” said Wilbur-Ellis Company President and CEO John P. Thacher. “Our acquisition of the company will substantially increase our distribution of ingredients and fine chemicals to the personal care industries in China and the Asia Pacific region. It will also enable us to provide a more complete and enriched product offering and strengthen our market and segment coverage.”
Through the acquisition, CBC will gain 24 employees in China, including Simon Chan who will join CBC as the Division Manager for personal care ingredients in China. Simon will report to John Chen who serves as Regional Chemicals Manager for Greater China. Terence Cheung will join CBC as the Sales Director for personal care ingredients in China.
“Simon Chan has long been the driving force behind Newson,” said CBC President Ted Eliot. “I look forward to his continued leadership and strategic direction as he becomes an integral part of CBC China, joined by other outstanding personnel.”
“Connell Bros. is an exceptional company that has always been focused on delivering quality products and impeccable service and I am truly delighted to be joining the team,” said Simon Chan. “I look forward to helping grow our personal care business in China and to forging strategic relationships with our suppliers and customers.”
About Connell Bros. Company
Connell Bros. Company, based in San Francisco, is a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company and is among the largest international marketers and distributors of specialty chemicals and food ingredients in the Pacific Rim. With over 100 years in Asia and a keen focus on customer support and quality control, CBC provides complete supply chain management from transportation, documentation, warehousing, and sales and distribution through its 34 offices located throughout Asia. For more information, please visit
www.connellbrothers.com.