CO 2-free distribution first
NEWS
Suven-Cohance merger done
Suven Pharmaceuticals and Cohance Lifesciences completed their merger on 1 May and will henceforth be known by the Cohance brand. This followed shareholder agreement, approval by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and final approval by India’ s National Company Law Tribunal.
The two firms said that the aim of the merger is to“ create a diversified CDMO platform to expand the three key business verticals, antibody-drug conjugates( ADCs), small molecules and oligonucleotides”. Some analysts regard this as a significant moment, creating a fully integrated Indian player in the CDMO market, where India’ s total share is currently under 3 %.
Suven and Cohance had combined revenues of $ 282 million in the 2024 financial year. Executive chairman Vivek Sharma has projected sales of $ 1 billion within five years via the combination of Hyderabad-based Suven’ s established commercial execution strengths with Cohance ' s specialised expertise in ADCs and complex chemistry platforms.
The company has already initiated operational and organisational integration, aligning its systems, capabilities and teams. The merger strategy focuses on scaling complex modalities, deepening customer partnerships and enhancing execution across the value chain. The process should be complete by Q1 2026.
Cohance was launched by private equity giant Advent International in November 2022 to manage its API and CDMO business, which includes RA Chem Pharma, ZCL Chemicals and Avra Laboratories. Advent then acquired a controlling stake of 50.1 % in Suven in September 2023.
CO 2-free distribution first
Brenntag has officially inaugurated what it claims to be the first CO 2
-emission-free chemical distribution site in the world at Traun, Austria, following a full upgrade in energy-efficiency and a redesign of the entire energy system, saving about 120 tonnes / year.“ The site is now considered a blueprint and global lighthouse project for Brenntag’ s other around 600 sites in more than 70 countries worldwide,” the company said.
In all, Brenntag spent over € 1.5 million to reduce energy consumption in through thermal building renovation and control optimisation of the heated acid and alkali tanks, converting the heating system to groundwater heat pumps and low-temperature radiators. It has also installed a photovoltaic system that will generate around 220,000 kWh / year of electricity.
Separately, Brenntag has acquired Czech firm MCEPharma, which offers advanced sampling services, and expertise in both OTC product development and GMP powder pack-off services to the pharmaceutical sector. Terms were not disclosed. This will add to Brenntag Pharma’ s portfolio of services in the EMEA region.
In addition, Brenntag Beauty & Personal Care is to partner with Seneca Polytechnic in Canada to investigate D5 silicone alternatives, with a focus on antiperspirant and deodorant, hair care and skin care applications. This followed the EU ban on the use of D5 in personal care products starting in 2027. The project has been made possible through a grant from the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada.
12 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981