Socaz Holding (De Oliebron / Kroon Oil)

Business
Socaz Holding is a Dutch lubricant manufacturing company internationally operating through its subsidiaries De Oliebron and Kroon-Oil, and is one of the larger international independent Dutch lubricating oil companies. The company operates a fully integrated business model through its private label/toll lubricants manufacturing company de Oliebron and branded-lubricants sales and marketing company Kroon-Oil. De Oliebron has a total of almost 700 active lube oil formulations in its systems and over 18,000 grade-pack combinations. Socaz has especially strong presence in semi and full synthetic lubricants, the growth segment of the market.

Development
In December 2006 GEM Benelux together with management acquired Socaz Holding through a management buy-out from Royal Dutch Shell. The company is expected to benefit from the ongoing rationalization at major oil companies leading to an increase in outsourced lubricant volumes to niche players like Socaz. The company will focus on the semi and full synthetic lubricant products and will further optimize its product mix.

In January 2008, Kroon-Oil acquired all of the shares of Putoline Oil BV. Putoline is a leading brand in motorcycle lubricants with a long history dating back to 1970. The brand is renowned for its superior quality, its attractive products and complete range of products. The Putoline brand perfectly complements Kroon-Oil’s current product offering. Kroon-Oil is predominately focused on automotive lubricants, while Putoline is focused on motorcycle lubricants. In January 2010, Kroon-Oil successfully acquired VAT Oil. This acquisition provides Kroon-Oil entrance to the Eastern-European market where the business currently has a limited exposure. VAT Oil is a well know brand in the Eastern European market.

Early 2011 GEM Benelux was approached by Cipelia SAS, a privately owned French company that specializes in the production and sale of lubricants. In May 2011 Socaz was successfully exited.

Watch the Socaz Holding company video.