Companions Acquires Pharma Chemicals to Expand European Reach

Companions has successfully acquired Pharma Chemicals on March 3, 2026. Pharma Chemicals is renowned for sourcing, analyzing, repackaging, and distributing high-quality pharmaceutical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients. This strategic move, executed through the newly established vertical Substera Group, is designed to bolster Companions’ presence in the European pharmaceutical sector.

Founded in 2017, Pharma Chemicals has established a strong market position, serving a majority of Belgian pharmacies, hospitals, and wholesalers. The company boasts over 90% market penetration among France’s large-scale compounders, making it a valuable addition to Companions’ portfolio.

Michaël Hillaert, CEO and co-founder of Pharma Chemicals, will assume full operational leadership post-acquisition. Hillaert’s expertise and vision have been pivotal in the company’s success, and he expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Together with the highly experienced team, we aim to ambitiously grow Pharma Chemicals and the Substera Group on this solid foundation.”

The acquisition is expected to create significant synergies, including cross-selling opportunities within existing pharmacy networks and an expanded product offering to hospitals and wholesalers. Additionally, the integration will allow for shared operational costs and economies of scale in procurement, enhancing overall efficiency.

In the current competitive landscape, this acquisition positions Companions to better navigate the evolving pharmaceutical market. The deal aligns with industry trends towards consolidation, as companies seek to enhance their market positions amid increasing competitive pressure.

Looking ahead, Companions plans to focus on integrating Pharma Chemicals into its operations while ensuring cultural alignment and retention of key talent. The company is optimistic about the future, aiming to leverage Pharma Chemicals’ expertise to innovate new products and enhance customer loyalty through tailored solutions.

As the pharmaceutical sector continues to evolve, Companions’ acquisition of Pharma Chemicals marks a significant step in its growth strategy, promising to deliver enhanced value to its stakeholders.