Specialty chemicals distributor Barentz has formed a joint venture with SK Chemtrade Services, expanding its footprint in the South African market.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, SK Chemtrade supplies raw materials to the life science industries in South Africa and neighboring countries. It specializes in flavors, compounds, nutraceuticals and natural food colorants. The family-owned company has offices, development centers and warehouses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Harare, Zimbabwe.

Barentz said the partnership will give it quicker access to the market in southern Africa, while at the same time offering the knowledge and expertise of its global network to SK Chemtrade.

“This partnership will provide a solid base for creating robust business opportunities in South Africa and its neighboring countries,” said Barentz CEO Hidde Van der Wal, adding that its network of application laboratories will be able to create synergies with SK Chemtrade’s product development facility.

The companies did not disclose the size of their stakes in the jv.