Brenntag, the global market leader in the distribution of chemicals and ingredients, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024. Since its foundation in 1874 in Berlin as an egg wholesaler, today's DAX-listed company has undergone an impressive history of development and growth, characterized by constant rethinking and reinvention of the business in constantly changing markets.
The highlight of the celebrations will take place in October, around the actual founding date, with worldwide employee events, a customer and supplier event and an official ceremony in Essen, Brenntag's current headquarters. "Looking back on such a long history provides an opportunity to reflect on the people, decisions and challenges that have shaped our company and brought us to where we are today. With curiosity, a pioneering spirit and the ability to stay focused in times of change, we at Brenntag have always succeeded in adapting to new circumstances. We evolve with our markets and we actively shape them," says Dr. Christian Kohlpaintner, CEO of Brenntag SE.
Founded in 1874 by Philipp Mühsam in Berlin as an egg wholesaler, the company expanded to London, the world trading center of the time, just three years later. In 1912, the company began trading in chemicals and was renamed "Brennstoff-, Chemikalien- und Transport-Aktiengesellschaft" in 1937, which was then shortened to "Brenntag". In the 1940s, the headquarters were relocated to Mülheim an der Ruhr, where the company was headquartered until 2017.
Under different ownership structures, Brenntag grew both organically and through acquisitions, expanding its portfolio, size and global reach over time.
