In a move to get closer to its customers and markets in Crop Protection, Pharma and Performance Chemicals, and to expand its portfolio of product development & manufacturing services and solutions, China based life sciences company Lianhe Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. ("Lianhetech") has agreed to acquire Fine Industries Ltd., based in Middlesbrough, UK, including its subsidiaries Fine Organics Ltd. and Fine Environmental Services Ltd. ("Fine Industries Group") from NorthEdge Capital, based in Manchester, UK, and management.

With around 220 employees, the Fine Industries Group is a well established European contract development & manufacturing company delivering high quality products and solutions to the life sciences and chemical industry. It operates a FDA inspected and approved site at Seal Sands, Middlesbrough in the UK. The Fine Industries Group develops and manufactures complex intermediates and actives for its agrochemical and pharma clients, as well as a broad portfolio of solutions for the specialty chemicals market. Fine Industries Group's annual revenues exceed $60 million.

Lianhetech’s Board Chairwoman & President Ms Maggie Wang said the acquisition provides the geographic presence, capability and expertise needed to provide better services and solutions and leveraging Lianhetech’s state-of-the-art technologies for our customers worldwide. "We expect Fine Industries Group’s customer base, expertise and capabilities to strengthen our organization’s offerings as a global solution provider", she commented.

The acquisition is subject to the usual regulatory approval conditions.