TAGS: Perfumes & Fragrances
LANXESS has completed the acquisition of Emerald Kalama Chemical, one of the world-leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals in U.S.
LANXESS signed a purchase agreement on 14 February 2021. All required regulatory approvals have been received. LANXESS financed the purchase price of around USD 1.04 billion (EUR 870 million) from liquid funds.
Fragrances for Consumer Sector
This second-largest acquisition in its company history elevates LANXESS to being one of the leading providers of products for flavors and
fragrances for the consumer sector. Products, such as aldehydes and benzoates are distinguished by their premium quality, safety and unique flavor profiles.
The main areas of application for the flavorings and fragrances are personal care products, cosmetics and exclusive fragrances, as well as food and drinks. The products in the new LANXESS portfolio encompass over 30 aroma chemicals, providing a range of earthy, floral, fruity, spicy and herbal notes.
LANXESS is incorporating the flavorings and fragrances business into the newly established Flavors & Fragrances business unit led by Holger Hueppeler.
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We at LANXESS have decades of experience in technology and production to reliably supply our customers with synthetic chemicals and deliver consistently high-quality ingredients that formulators of flavorings and fragrances can rely on,” said Hueppeler, who began his career in 1989 at Bayer and has amassed over three decades of experience in marketing, sales and logistics.
The new business unit will also comprise benzyl alcohol business. The product is used as an ultra-pure preservative for injection solutions and cosmetics and as a synthetic chemical. Other areas of application include the production of fragrances and flavorings and agricultural chemicals.
Nature-identical Preservatives for Care Products
The acquisition of Emerald Kalama also enables LANXESS to significantly expand its portfolio of
preservatives. Key products for the food industry include sodium and potassium benzoate under the Kalama, Purox and Kalaguard brands. They act as gentle preservatives in foods, drinks, personal care and home care products with a pH level of up to 6.5.
Benzyl-based preservatives, such as sodium benzoate, benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol are also used in the household products and cosmetics sectors.
In 2020, Emerald Kalama Chemical generated global sales of around USD 425 million (EUR 375 million) and EBITDA pre-exceptionals of around USD 90 million (EUR 80 million). Seventy-five percent of sales were attributable to business with specialty products for the consumer care market, especially products for flavors and fragrances as well as preservatives for use in food, household products and cosmetics.
One quarter of sales originated from business with specialty chemicals for industrial applications. With the closing of the transaction, LANXESS grows by around 470 employees and the three production sites in Kalama/Washington (USA), Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Widnes (Great Britain).
Source: LANXESS