The acquisition builds on GOVI’s expertise in specialty chemicals, positioning it to capitalize on rising demand for high-performance protective and industrial gloves worldwide.
Belgian chemical company GOVI, a subsidiary of the Christeyns Group, has acquired BASF’s Softex activities, a key supplier of chemical formulations for latex glove production.
The deal strengthens GOVI’s foothold in Asia, the global hub for latex glove manufacturing, where countries like Malaysia dominate world supply. By integrating Softex’s technology and customer base, GOVI aims to expand its presence in the region’s thriving industrial and medical glove sectors.
GOVI, headquartered in Ghent, specializes in chemical emulsions and dispersions used across industries such as textiles, paper, and manufacturing.
With existing production sites in Belgium and Malaysia, the acquisition aligns with its strategy to deepen its Asian market reach.
While the agreement includes Softex’s technology and client portfolio, it excludes manufacturing facilities though a transitional supply agreement ensures uninterrupted production during the handover.
Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but the move underscores GOVI’s ambition to become a leading supplier to Asia’s latex glove industry.
