NEWS
Distributors acquire in Asia
Three major global distributors have acquired companies in the Asian pharmaceutical market in the past two months. Azelis has bought the distribution business of S. Amit Group, a Mumbai-based distributor of chemicals for the pharmaceutical, agricultural and CASE markets in India.
S. Amit employs 16 and supplies raw materials for APIs and agrochemical AIs, among other things. Azelis said that S. Amit’ s“ expertise and offerings across industries” complement its existing lateral value chain in the domestic market”. The deal, for which terms were not disclosed, should be completed within Q2.
Meanwhile, IMCD has acquired Indian firm Trichem, including Trichem Healthcare Trichem Lifesciences and Chemistry & Health. Based in Mumbai, Trichem employs 36 and supplies APIs, intermediates and formulation services, as well as regulatory assistance for the Indian market. It had sales of about € 18 million in its last fiscal year.
Separately, Barentz has entered into exclusive discussions to acquire 100 % equity of Fengli Group, one of the largest distributors of pharmaceutical excipients and APIs in China. No date or cost has been put on the deal as yet.
The company described this as a strategic move to gain access to the Chinese pharma market and enhance its service and commercial capabilities there, while also enabling Fengli to expand its international presence. Plans are for current president Dexin Ma to remain at the helm.
Based in Beijing, Fengli employs of over 100 across five locations in mainland China. It sources excipients and APIs from 35 international principals and supplies more than 2,000 customers in R & D and production. It has an analytical pharma lab for product formulation and support, as well as excipient R & D and application labs.
IN BRIEF
Sharon opens APAC office Sharon Personal Care is opening a regional sales office in Singapore, as“ a strategic move to build its presence and develop stronger relationships with its customers in the APAC market”, its biggest growth market. It has named Marie Delasson as director Asia-Pacific to head the new office. In addition, Eternis Fine Chemicals, Sharon’ s parent company, has become the first Indian member of Together for Sustainability.
SAP plant completed Sumitomo Seika Chemicals has completed a pilot plant for superabsorbent polymers at its Himeji Works in Japan. The scaleddown facility enables medium-scale experiments under conditions similar to full-scale manufacturing. The company will also end production of PE and PP powder resins at its Chiba Works from September due to poor market conditions.
One in the eye Siegfried will further expand its ophthalmic drug site at El Masnou near Barcelona, Spain, adding sterile eye drop capacity, in response to growing demand. The new capacity will be available from early 2027 and will complement an ongoing expansion in capacity for sterile eye care ointments, which is expected to be available by 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
Iron oxide pigment manufacturer Oxerra has broken ground on an 11,000 m 2 warehouse at its facility in Augusta, Georgia. Scheduled to open in January 2026, this will, the company said,“ maximise operational efficiency and provide greater flexibility, improved supply chain reliability and enhanced service”, while also creating a wholly owned regional distribution. Key features include the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient interior lighting, with solar energy systems to be installed to further minimise the site’ s environmental footprint.
Sojitz takes over Sojitz has agreed to acquire a stake Nippon A & L from Sumitomo Chemical and Mitsui Chemicals which will rise to 66.5 % in July. Nippon A & L specialises in SBR latexes and ABS resins. The former’ s applications include anode binders for lithium-ion batteries, demand for which is growing strongly, and Sojitz has a long history of handling these products.
JUL / AUG 2025 SPECCHEMONLINE. COM
15