The Acquisition of Merck's Global Surface Solutions Business by Global New Material International Has Been Successfully Completed

 HZ info:On July 31, 2025, Global New Material International (GNMI) successfully completed the acquisition of Merck's global surface solutions business(SUSONITY). This is not only a significant breakthrough in GNMI's globalization strategy, but also a model of in-depth cooperation between Chinese and German enterprises. Su Ertian, Chairman and Chief Executive of Global New Material International, Huang Yiyang,Consul General of China in Frankfurt, Belen Garijo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck AG, and Dr. Kai Beckmann, Member of the Board of Merck AG and Chief Executive Officer of the Electronics Division witnessed the milestone moment.

Su Ertian,Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global New Material International (on the right), received the key symbolizing SUSONITY from Belen Garijo,Merck's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(in the middle)and Kai Beckmann,Merck's Board Member and Chief Executive Officer(on the left).

Bringing together global synergy through capital mergers and acquisitions

It was once a dream of Su Ertian for Chinese companies to reach the global high ground of high-performance materials innovation. Now standing on the historical scale of the realization of the dream, Su Ertian said deeply: “This moment, which embodies years of strategic efforts of GNMI, is a milestone and a new voyage. GNMI will integrate the world's leading R&D forces, Europe's advanced manufacturing resources and globally renowned brand influence, and deeply integrate the innovative vitality of the East with the industrial rigor of the West to build a platform that provides breakthrough solutions for global customers and actively shape the future of the industry.”

Huang Yiyang, Consul General of China in Frankfurt, attended the event and delivered a congratulatory speech, stating that this merger and acquisition is an important sign of Chinese enterprises' deep participation in global high-end manufacturing and also demonstrates a new height of industrial cooperation between China and Germany.

Dr. Kai Beckmann, Member of the Board of Merck AG and Chief Executive Officer of the Electronics Division, noted that with GNMI's industrial resources and market vitality, SUSONITY is expected to achieve more efficient capacity synergy and market expansion.

SUSONITY has a deep technical accumulation in pearlescent pigment surface solutions, cosmetic active substances and industrial functional materials, and its products are widely used in multiple high-end market areas such as automotive coatings and high-end cosmetics, with customers all over the world. The completion of the transaction means GNMI will quickly gain access to SUSONITY's mature sales network, high-quality customer resources and strong brand influence, accelerating its global strategic layout.

This merger and acquisition is not only a major leap for GNMI, but also has a profound impact on the global materials industry. On one hand, it helps to optimize the allocation of industry resources and enhance the overall competitiveness of the industry; On the other hand, it also provides a successful example for the international development of Chinese materials enterprises, encouraging more Chinese enterprises to enter the global market and achieve a higher level of opening up and cooperation.

Let's venture into the bright future of materials science and technology innovation

“This is not just a deal, but a big step for GNMI to go global. Whether it's sustainable make-up pigments, a new generation of electric vehicle coatings, or new materials that will disrupt the industry, we're just setting out.”

“It's not just a merger and acquisition, but a continuation of the excellence gene. Based on shared values and mutual respect, we will work together to create new possibilities, especially in this dynamic market of Asia.”

“Today's collaboration is not about “going our separate ways”, but about “growing together”. We will fully support learning from each other and moving towards an even better future together.”

“We will take practical measures such as global synergy, technology leadership and long-term responsibility to enrich our product matrix, deepen key technology areas, expand the global high-end customer market, and form a global synergy system of 'R&D - production - market' to provide outstanding solutions with local characteristics and global standards on a global scale. This is the common aspiration of GNMI and Merck Group.”

Su Ertian specifically made these remarks in an interview.

Next, the integration between GNMI and SUSONITY is in full swing. GNMI emphasizes the “people-centered” integration philosophy, as Su Ertian puts it: “We will create an inclusive, open-minded, idealistic and opportunity-filled environment for SUSONITY employees, ensuring that everyone feels at ease, valued and focused on their work.”

He especially expressed his gratitude to all SUSONITY employees around the world: “Your professionalism and tenacity have made an extraordinary team and an extraordinary cause. GNMI holds this in high regard. We are not here to change you, but to work with you to take SUSONITY to new heights.”

In the future, GNMI will integrate our shared values of integrity, excellence, innovation and responsibility, with the long-term vision of becoming “the world's leading platform for new materials innovation”, to make breakthroughs in green materials, beauty technology, automotive coatings and high-end industrial applications.

“We will work together to achieve innovations that none of us could have done on our own -- whether it's the next generation of make-up pigments, sustainable coatings for new energy vehicles, or breakthroughs in high-performance surface materials, the best is yet to come.” said Su Ertian.

The closing ceremony was successfully held in Frankfurt, Germany, with the GNMI management and the SUSONITY core team all in attendance, and they witnessed this historic moment together with many guests.

For GNMI, led by Zhou Fangchao, Executive Director and Vice President and General Manager of Chesir Pearl, Jin Zengqin, Executive Director and Vice President and Executive Vice President of Zhejiang Hongzun, Kwang Su Lim, Executive Director, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer and CQV Representative Director and CEO, and Jody Zhu, Chief Integration Officer, Sally Han,Chief Financial Officer and Helena Shen,Chief Human Resources Officer were all present, demonstrating the company's high regard for global integration efforts.

Those present also included SUSONITY team consisting of Michael Weiden, Head of Business, Mathias Gruenewald, Head of Procurement, Karsten Mueller, Head of Product Compliance, and Wolfgang Krass, Head of Global Product Management and Global Marketing, along with Stephan Linne, Head of GNMI Supply Chain and SUSONITY Supply Chain, and other key management members, marking a steady advancement of the integration with team collaboration and deep integration at its core.

In addition, representatives from financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Baker McKenzie, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Beijing Tianyuan Law Firm, and international professional institutions such as RSM, Ernst & Young, Accenture were also invited to witness the successful completion of this globally influential merger and acquisition deal.