Tata Chemicals (TCL) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Tata Chemicals International Pte. Limited (TCIPL), will acquire 100% of Singapore-based Novabay Pte for EUR 25 million (approximately INR 260 crore). This move bolsters TCL's presence in the premium-grade sodium bicarbonate market, a segment with steady demand from pharmaceutical, personal care, and food industries globally.
Acquisition details
The transaction, announced on 20 December 2025, involves the full acquisition of Novabay, a leading premium sodium bicarbonate producer in the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China). Novabay's current production capacity is about 60,000 tonnes per year, with potential to expand to 100,000 tonnes. The company holds key certifications including cGMP and API, supported by a fully automated facility.
Strategic rationale
TCL's Managing Director & CEO stated: "Novabay's focus on premium-grade sodium bicarbonate aligns seamlessly with TCL's strategy to expand its presence in high-value, non-cyclical product segments. This acquisition strengthens TCL's capabilities in the specialty bicarb market and enhances our ability to serve premium customer requirements."
Market context
The premium-grade sodium bicarbonate market benefits from steady demand driven by rising haemodialysis needs, improved access to medical care, and growing consumption in emerging markets. Novabay supplies high-value grades for pharmaceutical, personal care, and food applications, positioning TCL to capture growth in these sectors.
What buyers should watch
Overseas buyers in pharmaceutical, personal care, and food industries should monitor how this acquisition affects supply stability and product availability of premium sodium bicarbonate in the Asia-Pacific region. TCL's expanded capacity and certifications may offer more reliable sourcing options for high-purity grades, particularly for buyers seeking cGMP-compliant materials.
China sourcing context
Novabay is described as one of the largest premium sodium bicarbonate producers in Asia-Pacific excluding China, indicating that this acquisition targets customers who may prefer non-China sources for certain applications. This could be relevant for buyers diversifying supply chains or requiring specific regional certifications.
Source: Read the original report | Published: December 20, 2025