DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Chemical distributor Univar Inc. has commenced an initial public offering of 20,000,000 shares of common stock. When announced, the initial public offering price was expected to be between $20.00 and $22.00 per share. The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 shares of common stock from certain stockholders.

The company intends to use the proceeds of the offering and a concurrent private placement principally to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire or retire $650 million of its outstanding Subordinated Notes due in 2017 and 2018, pay associated fees and expenses, and for general corporate purposes.