Ultrapar Participações S.A. (NYSE: UGP) is a diversified Brazilian conglomerate with a longstanding presence in the energy, chemical and logistics sectors. Established in 1937, the company has evolved from its origins in fuel distribution to encompass a wide range of business activities. Ultrapar’s core operations are organized into four main units—fuel distribution, specialty chemicals, bulk storage and convenience retail—each of which contributes to its position as a leading industrial group in Latin America.
The fuel distribution arm, operated under the Ipiranga brand, manages one of the largest networks of service stations in Brazil, offering gasoline, diesel and lubricant products to both individual and commercial customers. Ultrapar also operates Ultragaz, a major provider of bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), supplying residential, commercial and industrial clients. The company’s specialty chemicals division, Oxiteno, manufactures surfactants and other chemical intermediates used in sectors ranging from personal care and pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals and paints.
In addition to downstream energy and chemicals, Ultrapar has a significant presence in bulk liquid storage through its Ultracargo unit. This division maintains a network of terminals strategically located near major ports and inland waterways, facilitating the storage and handling of petroleum products, chemicals and vegetable oils. Complementing these operations, Ultrapar also leverages convenience retail through the Extrafarma chain of drugstores, which offers pharmaceutical and personal care products to consumers across multiple Brazilian states.
Headquartered in São Paulo, Ultrapar continues to expand its footprint through organic investment and selective acquisitions. The company’s management team, led by a board of executive officers, emphasizes operational efficiency, sustainability and safety across its assets. While its primary market is Brazil, Ultrapar’s logistical capabilities and export-oriented production enable it to serve customers in neighboring South American countries, reinforcing its role as a key integrated player in the region’s energy and chemical industries.
