For the Dutch-based distributor, the purchase is a step toward strengthening its strategic position geographically. With offices and laboratories in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore, and a broad, high-quality portfolio of personal care ingredients, Nardev’s extensive network is “fully complementary” to its own  current value position in the pertinent markets, Barentz said.

Both companies have their regional head offices in Singapore, from where Barentz also runs Vitablend, a customized formulations center.

“For us, the merger with Barentz marks the start of a new era, in which we will get more opportunities to deeper penetrate our current markets. In addition, we share with Barentz the same passion for technical knowledge and formulary support,” said Nardev’s CEO, Khoe Hong Oan.

The Asian specialty distributor employs some 90 people and has a personal care ingredients portfolio comprised of more than 3,000 products grouped into four units: Cosmetic Ingredients; Food & Nutraceuticals; Environment & Biologicals and Skin Measurement Devices.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist