Sojitz markets Myriant's acid in Asia

US-headquartered Myriant and Japan's Sojitz have signed an agreement for the creation of a sales and marketing partnership whereby the latter company will distribute bio-based succinic acid across Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan on an exclusive basis for such applications as plasticisers, polymers, urethanes and solvents. The agreement, Myriant says, combines the strength of Myriant’s manufacturing platform with Sojitz’s strong market presence. A $50bn company, Sojitz, it continues, currently commands a network of more than 25 sales offices across Asia.

“Sojitz’s significant presence in the market provides Myriant with 'best in class' representation, which we expect will drive significant long-term value for our bio-based succinic acid platform,” says Myriant chief operating officer Dr Cenan Ozmeral. “Sojitz has demonstrated a clear commitment to the market, having invested already in a wide array of products in the field of bio-based chemicals. With Sojitz’s sales force and expertise in chemical sales and marketing, we are confident that our partnership will expedite Myriant’s commercial efforts in the territory.”

“This is another significant example of Myriant’s ability to capitalise on global markets where we have demonstrated a clear leadership in the production of cost-effective bio-based succinic acid for a wide variety of applications,” adds Myriant chairman and CEO Stephen J Gatto. “The combination of Sojitz’s sales and marketing as well as their intent to expand our production capacity were the twin catalysts for this agreement.”

www.myriant.com
www.sojitz.com