BATF Group and Synthomer plc today announced that they have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership for the speciality coatings market. The two companies will cooperate through a joint venture company (“JV Company”) based in China, focusing on the research and development, production and sales of coalescing agents and high-performance polyester resins for powder coatings.
At the heart of the cooperation is the combination of Synthomer’s technology and application expertise in advanced materials with BATF’s strong supply chain capabilities and operational excellence. The two companies will work closely across technology, manufacturing, markets and operations in the identified product application areas. The agreement, which is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval in China, includes the licensing of Synthomer’s polyester resin technology and know-how to the JV Company and the acquisition by Synthomer of a minority stake in it. Designed to enable further long-term strategic collaboration, the partnership aims to strengthen both companies’ ability to serve customers worldwide and provide more reliable and efficient specialty chemical material solutions.
Coalescing agents and high-performance polyester resins for powder coatings are critical components in water-based coatings and high-performance powder coating systems. Their performance directly influences film formation, mechanical properties, durability and environmental performance in downstream coating applications. These materials are also closely aligned with the global coatings industry’s long-term transition towards water-based and low-VOC technologies.
The cooperation reflects BATF’s strategic transformation from a traditional product supplier into a global customer-focused solutions provider. It also represents meaningful progress for Chinese specialty chemical materials companies as they deepen participation in global value chains. At the same time, the partnership will accelerate the introduction and commercialisation of Synthomer’s innovative specialty coatings technologies tailored to the regional market needs of one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing coatings markets.
Gong Yanglong, Chief Executive Officer of BATF Group commented: “Our strategic cooperation with Synthomer marks an important step in BATF’s commitment to open collaboration and global expansion. BATF brings strong manufacturing capabilities, an extensive supply chain network and operational excellence, while Synthomer contributes its technological expertise and global experience. Together, we aim to develop the JV Company into a specialty coatings platform serving customers worldwide.”
Michael Willome, Chief Executive Officer of Synthomer, commented: “Our partnership with BATF will represent a significant milestone in Synthomer's strategy to expand its presence in high-growth specialty coatings markets and in China, a key region for exponential growth. BATF's local market knowledge and impressive manufacturing capabilities in China mean they will be a great partner, supporting both the Asian growth and innovation agendas of our Coatings & Construction Solutions business. It is a strategically aligned and capital-disciplined opportunity to create long-term value for all our stakeholders and we look forward to working with BATF.”
About BATF
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Foshan, Guangdong, BATF Group is Asia’s largest supplier of water-based emulsions for architectural coatings and has maintained a leading position in the industry by sales volume for many years. Its products are widely used in architectural coatings, waterproofing and adhesives. With a nationwide network of manufacturing sites and commercial operations, BATF is committed to providing green and innovative material solutions and working with customers to “Create Excellence for a Better Future.”
About Synthomer
Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets for customers who serve billions of end users worldwide. Synthomer is headquartered in London, UK and has been listed there since 1971. With more than 6,000 blue-chip customers and £1.7bn in continuing revenue in 2025, Synthomer employs c.3,500 employees across five innovation centres of excellence and 28 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia. In China, Synthomer has established its China Innovation Centre (CIC) in Shanghai as well as local manufacturing and operational entities, reflecting its continued commitment to the Chinese market.