BASF Acquires Omega-3 Firm, Expands High Concentrates

BASF (Ludwigshafen, Germany) has acquired omega-3 fatty acids manufacturer Equateq Ltd., expanding the BASF portfolio of omega-3 ingredients for the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement markets. Specifically, BASF says Equateq is a supplier of highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids and will allow BASF to provide new offerings of highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids.

According to BASF, Equateq offers unique technology for fatty acid production comprising proprietary chromatographic separation methods that allow for a “customized” approach.

“Equateq’s technologies will enable us to customize fatty acid concentrates with variable ratios of EPA and DHA at concentration levels of up to 99% purity. This is unique in the market,” said Martin Widmann, senior vice president, Pharma Ingredients and Services, which is the division in which Equateq will be integrated. The Pharma Ingredients and Services group is part of BASF’s overall Nutrition and Health division.