Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, Minn., acquired Holchem Group Ltd., a UK-based supplier of hygiene and cleaning products and services for the food and beverage, foodservice and hospitality industries. Holchem operates in the UK and Ireland.

“Holchem’s strong technical capabilities and service model align well with Ecolab’s commitment to helping customers uphold stringent food safety standards,” says Sam de Boo, senior vice president and general manager for food and beverage of Ecolab and Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, in Europe. “We look forward to combining our teams to better serve food and beverage and foodservice customers in Ireland, the UK and throughout Europe.”

Both businesses will continue to operate separately until the acquisition is finalized.