Shearman & Sterling is advising Basic Chemical Solutions, LLC (BCS), a global distributor and trader of commodity chemicals, in its planned acquisition by Univar, a leading global chemical distributor. The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011, subject to customary closing conditions.

BCS is a global distributor of a select list of basic commodities with a unique integrated distribution model, combining bulk and mini-bulk chemical distribution with a global procurement and trading platform. Univar is one of the world’s leading distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals, representing over 2,500 chemical producers and providing its customer base with a full portfolio of products.

The Shearman & Sterling team was led by partner John Marzulli (New York-Mergers & Acquisitions) and included partners Steve Camahort (San Francisco-Mergers & Acquisitions), Doreen Lilienfeld (New York-Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits), Michael Shulman (Washington, DC-Tax), Ronald Bayer (New York-Finance) and Beau Buffier (New York-Antitrust); and associates Nadir Nurmohamed (New York-Mergers & Acquisitions) and Veronica Wissel (New York-Executive Compensation & Employee Benefits).