PennWhite India expands presence with Sicagen’s defoamer business acquisition

PennWhite India Private Limited (PWI), a wholly owned subsidiary of PennWhite Limited, UK, has successfully acquired the defoamer business of Sicagen India Limited’s Speciality Chemicals Division. The acquisition, effective 14 February 2025, is a strategic move aimed at strengthening PennWhite’s foothold in the Indian speciality chemicals market.

With this acquisition, PennWhite India secures intellectual property rights and a robust customer base in the defoamer industry, particularly within the fertiliser sector. However, no physical assets or staff have been transferred as part of the deal. This acquisition aligns with PennWhite’s long-term strategy of expanding into India’s high-growth foam control solutions sector, reinforcing its commitment to bringing advanced chemical processing technologies to the region.

Why is PennWhite India expanding in the defoamer industry?

The defoamer industry plays a critical role in numerous industrial applications, ranging from wastewater treatment and food processing to oil refining and construction. As India’s economy continues to grow, the demand for high-performance foam control solutions is increasing, making this sector an attractive market for expansion.

PennWhite Limited, headquartered in Middlewich, UK, has been a global leader in foam control technology for over 40 years. Its FoamDoctor brand of antifoam agents is widely used across industries in over 40 countries. Recognising the growth potential in India’s speciality chemicals market, PennWhite took decisive steps to establish a strong local presence.

In February 2024, PennWhite India Private Limited was incorporated in Chennai to accelerate business expansion in India. This acquisition of Sicagen’s defoamer portfolio is a significant milestone in that plan, allowing PennWhite to integrate Indian-specific foam control solutions into its portfolio while offering high-quality speciality chemicals to domestic industries.

What does the acquisition mean for PennWhite and its customers?

The acquisition provides PennWhite India with access to Sicagen’s intellectual property, formulations, and customer relationships in the speciality chemicals sector. By integrating these assets, PennWhite aims to enhance its offerings and deliver innovative defoamer solutions tailored to the Indian market.

According to Tobias Tasche, Chief Executive Officer of PennWhite Limited and Director of PennWhite India Private Limited, this acquisition marks an essential step in the company’s expansion strategy. Tasche noted that since Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL) acquired PennWhite Limited in 2022, the company has been actively pursuing global growth opportunities, with India as a focal point. He emphasised PennWhite’s commitment to leveraging its expertise in antifoam solutions to serve the evolving needs of Indian industries.

How does this acquisition fit into Manali Petrochemicals’ global strategy?

PennWhite Limited is a subsidiary of Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL), India’s only integrated manufacturer of polyols and speciality chemicals. MPL, which is part of AM International, Singapore, acquired PennWhite Limited in November 2022 as part of its broader plan to expand its international chemical business.

The establishment of PennWhite India Private Limited in 2024 was a strategic step in strengthening MPL’s global supply chain while increasing its competitiveness in India. The acquisition of Sicagen’s defoamer portfolio allows PennWhite to gain an edge in India’s expanding defoamer industry, which is witnessing rising demand from sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing.

How will PennWhite maintain quality and innovation in foam control solutions?

PennWhite has built its reputation on delivering high-performance foam control technology, manufacturing over 200 speciality chemical products. The company is committed to upholding the highest industry standards, ensuring its foam control solutions meet the rigorous demands of customers worldwide.

With the acquisition of Sicagen’s defoamer business, PennWhite India will introduce cutting-edge antifoam solutions tailored to the needs of Indian industries. The company will focus on sustainable and high-efficiency formulations, ensuring that its defoamer solutions align with modern environmental and industrial standards.

What does the future hold for PennWhite in India’s speciality chemicals market?

With the successful acquisition of Sicagen’s defoamer business, PennWhite is well-positioned to expand its presence in India’s speciality chemicals market. The company’s long-term strategy includes increasing local production, investing in R&D, and strengthening partnerships with key industry players.

PennWhite India aims to become a leading supplier of antifoam and speciality chemicals, providing innovative foam control solutions for a wide range of applications. The company will continue to leverage its global expertise while adapting to the specific needs of the Indian market, ensuring sustainable growth in the years to come.