BARENTZ ACQUIRES FORUM
Barentz significantly expands its market presence in UK and life-science expertise
Hoofddorp, Redhill – Dec 21st 2011
Barentz Europe B.V. – The Netherlands – has acquired Forum Products Ltd – United Kingdom – on December 19th. By this acquisition Barentz will expand its market presence in the UK adding a strong ingredient distributor position in the pharmaceutical, food and animal nutrition markets to its current business. In addition to this expanded UK position, Barentz will further develop its knowledge in these life-science markets. This acquisition fits Barentz’ strategy to become a pan-European leader in the distribution of specialty ingredients.
Strong position in UK life-sciences and a solid basis for further growth
By the acquisition of Forum, Barentz will achieve a strong and leading distributor’s position in the UK with a focus on life-science ingredients such as functional foods, supplements, food and pharmaceutical ingredients and additives. The profound knowledge of the Forum organization within these life-science areas provides Barentz with a solid basis to further enhance Barentz ‘expertise. It enables Barentz to be a real solutions provider and to advise its customers using the best ingredients and additives for their specific applications. Combining this life-science expertise and the experience in distribution, applications, research & development and regulatory affairs will strengthen both the Barentz UK organization and the Barentz Europe Group. Besides these synergies the Indian office of Forum will bring opportunities to source pharmaceutical ingredients from India and at the same time offers sales opportunities in India.
About Forum
Forum Products Limited was founded in 1981. Forum’s Head Office is based in Redhill, UK and it has 2 international offices in Ireland and India. With a turnover of about 90 Mio Euro, Forum focuses on life- science ingredients and operates in the following business areas: pharmaceutical and fine chemicals, animal nutrition, animal health, food ingredients and functional foods and supplements. In the 25+ years of speciality distribution, Forum has acquired knowledge of over 10,000 ingredients used across these life-science sectors. Forum employs 45 people among whom there is a wide range of educated chemists, technical and regulatory experts. These experts work closely together with research agencies and universities and are able to develop innovative new product solutions in close cooperation with their customers.
About Barentz Europe B.V.
The Barentz Group is a privately owned company founded in 1953 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Today Barentz has a leading Pan European position distributing ingredients and additives for the food, pharmaceutical & cosmetic, chemical and animal nutrition industries. The group has built long term relationships with worldwide suppliers and European producers and shows solid financial results.
Barentz is present in 26 countries in Europe, employs more than 400 personnel, and has an estimated turnover of about 650 Mio Euro in 2011. Barentz’ drive is to further expand its positions all over Europe. This growth must be attained by providing innovative and creative solutions based on in depth knowledge of the markets, products and applications. Barentz owns 2 Centres of Excellence, 3 production locations, different laboratories and a sourcing office in China. With this new acquisition and last week’s deal where Barentz also bought a major stake in the German Rewe Food Ingredients (RFI), Barentz expects to create a turnover of 900 Mio Euro in 2012.
New organisation
All Forum organisations (Forum Products Ltd, Forum Animal Health and Forum Health Products) will become part of Barentz. The current main management team members of Forum Products Ltd will continue to support the company. Forum Products Ltd will work closely together with Barentz UK Ltd in Manchester.
Chris Bloor, Managing Director of Forum Products Ltd: “The integration of Forum Products Ltd into the pan-European Barentz Group is a very good move for the organization. Barentz values the expertise of our group and will fully utilise that expertise in a very constructive and professional way. With our life-sciences finished products we will now have immediate access to all European countries. Barentz offers us a great European network with very strong synergies.”
Hidde van der Wal, CEO of Barentz Europe B.V.: “Forum is seen as the absolute specialist in the distribution of life-science products. This fits perfectly into the Barentz strategy. Until now we were a bit under-represented in the UK compared to other European countries. Now we are filling this gap. The beauty for both parties is that the Forum portfolio does not create any conflict of interest but only synergies, so we can learn from each other. For the stakeholders this assures a great future. “
For more information please contact: Jacqueline Schweig, Marketing and Communication Manager of Barentz Europe B.V. + 31 (0) 6 5117 3620 Jacqueline.schweig@barentz.com