NEWS
IN BRIEF
Signing ceremony for the merger
Barentz buys Viachem Barentz International has acquired Viachem , a distributor of life science ingredients and speciality chemicals . Based in Texas and Georgia , Viachem claims to have a unique model combining “ a dedicated market research function and digitally enabled sales and marketing capabilities ”, using technical sales specialists . Terms were not disclosed .
Blue day for Arxada Arxada has begun large-scale production of battery-grade Prussian blue at its facility in Visp , Switzerland , and will immediately begin supplying Natron Energy with materials to produce up to 600 MW / year of battery capacity , as per a supply agreement they reached in Q1 . Natron , which is based in California , is currently the only supplier of sodium-ion battery products , which is based on a patented Prussian blue technology .
BASF in non-ionic JV BASF and South Korea ’ s Hannong Chemicals are to form a 51-49 joint venture to manufacture non-ionic surfactant products at the Daesan Industrial Complex for supply to both partners . They aim to start in Q1 2023 . BASF said that the JV will combine its own technology and product innovation capabilities with Hannong ’ s production capabilities .
Ortec opens European HQ Ortec , a supplier of custom formulation and manufacturing services to the life science industry , has officially opened its European headquarters site in Newcastle West , Ireland . The 2,400 m 2 facility features a dedicated cGMP manufacturing facility , with other capabilities including USP / EP generated water , a full-service analytical laboratory , and an ISO 8 / Class 100,000 cleanroom .
Caldic and Connell to merge
Caldic , the Netherlands-based distributor of life sciences and speciality chemicals , is to merge with Connell of the US , following an agreement by their respective owners , Advent International and Wilbur-Ellis . This should close in Q1 2023 , subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals . Terms were not disclosed and the companies will remain privately owned . Together , Caldic and Connell have over 3,800 employees across 43 countries , with 75 formulation centres and application labs , and sales of about € 3 billion / year . The owners said they were “ committed to build a leading global platform ”, with a strong presence in two high-growth regions : Asia-Pacific , where Connell has been active for 125 years , and Latin America through Caldic ’ s merger with GTM in March 2022 . “ In terms of value creation , this is a huge win for our customers , suppliers , and employees ,” said Azita Owlia , who will be CEO of the combined entities in Asia-Pacific . “ We will be stronger than ever and able to bring reach and capabilities to the segments we serve , as well as global growth opportunities for our employees .”
Merck still driven by ‘ Big Three ’
Merck KGaA has revealed at its latest Capital Markets Day that it will continue to focus on its ‘ Big Three ’ businesses of Process Solutions and Life Science Services , new products in Healthcare and the Semiconductor Solutions arm . By 2025 , these are expected to generate about 80 % of targeted sales growth and more than 50 % of total sales . The company remains on track to achieve its mid-term growth target of € 25 billion that year and expects to increase sales organically by at least 6 %/ year on average , about € 1 billion / year . “ The current turbulent environment continues to be a stress test for our business model and strategy , said CEO and executive board chair Belén Garijo . “ I can say with confidence that our highly resilient business sectors are the foundation for our
8 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981