Barentz, a leading global specialty ingredients solutions provider, has entered into discussions to acquire 100% equity of Fengli Group, one of the market-leading specialty chemicals distributors for pharmaceutical excipients and active ingredients in China.

The strategic move would grant Barentz access to the Chinese pharma market and establish a robust sales network centered around innovative excipients and active pharma ingredients (APIs). The partnership would further enhance the service and commercial capabilities of Barentz in China while enabling Fengli Group to expand its international presence. By aligning product portfolios, both companies are aim to unlock “significant synergies” and drive “accelerated growth,” officials said.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Barentz soon,” said Dexin Ma, president, Fengli. “A collaboration allows us to offer an enhanced array of solutions for excipients, active ingredients and intermediates, combining our collective resources and expertise, while upholding our shared values. This partnership will accelerate cooperation with our current principals and is expected to enable expansion in mainland China and overseas markets with Barentz’s strong network of principals.”

A ‘Transformative Step’

Established in 1996 and headquartered in Beijing, Fengli Group comprises a team of over 100 experienced professionals across five locations in mainland China. It sources high-quality pharmaceutical excipients and active ingredients from 35 international principals and serves more than 2,000 customers in pharmaceutical production, research and development. Fengli Group’s primary focus is on pharma and health product markets in mainland China. Its facilities include an analytical pharma lab for product formulation and support, as well as excipient research, development and application labs.

Post-completion, Ma and co-founder Mrs. Jingtao Dou will continue their roles as president and chief marketing officer, overseeing daily operations and ensuring a smooth integration between the two companies.

“This envisaged acquisition would mean a transformative step for Barentz in the Asia Pacific region and fully aligns with our strategic ambition to expand and strengthen our global presence,” said Derk Jan Terhorst, Group CEO at Barentz. “Fengli Group’s strong local reputation and established network provide an excellent foundation for growth. Under Mr. Ma’s continued leadership, we are set to accelerate our expansion, reinforcing our commitment to the pharmaceutical and health product market in Asia Pacific and beyond. The transaction would also create pan-regional opportunities, enabling us to expand our principal partnerships beyond China and further solidify our regional presence.”

Parties expect to complete the acquisition during the second half of 2025.