Sinochem executive to oversee Syngenta China unit

Sinochem has announced that its president Qin Hengde will be overseeing Syngenta’s China business. Agrichemicals business Sygenta is owned by China National Chemical (ChemChina), which has reportedly been in talks for a merger with Sinochem. Syngenta spokesman Andrew McConville was quoted by Reuters as saying that Hengde will replace Syngenta’s regional director for China Andrew Guthrie, who will retire at the end of next month. McConville stated: “There’s no change in ownership of operations of Syngenta in China.” Reuters has reported that the Sinochem and ChemChina have been negotiating for merger, though the company executives have refuted. If a merger takes place, it would create an entity valued at more than $100m.