Govi acquires BASF Softex business in Asia-Pacific

Govi, our sister company and a leading supplier of calcium stearate dispersions, has reached an important milestone. Govi Cast Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia has signed an agreement with BASF to acquire the Softex business—a portfolio of calcium and ammonium stearate dispersions widely used in latex glove manufacturing.

The Softex portfolio includes calcium and ammonium stearate dispersions used as anti-tack and mould-release agents in latex glove production, as well as in applications such as paper coating, cement mixing, and textile coatings. Historically, production has taken place at BASF’s Cimanggis site in Indonesia.

This strategic acquisition strengthens Govi’s position in specialty dispersions for the Asia-Pacific glove industry. The agreement covers the Softex customer base, along with its formulations and production know-how. During a transition period, BASF will continue production while Govi integrates the technology into its manufacturing facility in Port Klang, Malaysia.

“We are excited to integrate Softex into our portfolio,” said Francis Himpe, Managing Director of GOVI CAST. “This acquisition reinforces our position in the glove manufacturing market and enables us to deliver even greater value to customers across Asia-Pacific. We will focus on driving innovation to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

The global latex gloves market continues to grow, driven by rising hygiene standards and increasing healthcare demand. Southeast Asia—particularly Malaysia—accounts for approximately 65% of global glove production, making the region a key market for these applications.

This marks a significant step forward in Govi’s ongoing international growth.