February 28/Teterboro, N.J./Press Release -- Symrise AG recently finalized two acquisitions and a strategic partnership. Symrise purchased the Brazilian activities of fragrance manufacturer Belmay and will transfer these to its own site. Symrise is also strengthening its dynamically growing natural ingredients business with its acquisition of U.S. manufacturer Trilogy Fragrances. In addition, the company agreed to a strategic partnership with the Swedish biotech firm Indevex regarding the similarly expanding segment of Consumer Health.

“We continue to follow our strategy of extending Symrise’s position in the rapidly expanding emerging markets and sharpening our unique profile with our expansion into innovative market segments. We are especially pleased that, at the start of the new fiscal year, we can announce three measures that put these goals into practice,” said Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG. “For consumers in developed nations, having a healthy lifestyle is playing an increasingly important role. Through our strategic partnership with Indevex Biotech, we are selectively expanding our expertise in functional foods and creating an optimal foundation for further product innovations. The purchase of Trilogy Fragrances expands our portfolio of natural perfume oils, particularly in North America.”

Bertram added, “In the dynamically growing countries of Latin and South America, the rising standard of living is driving demand for consumer goods. We allow for this situation with the purchase of Belmay’s perfume activities in Brazil -- one of the most populous countries on earth.”

“South America is one of the most important sales regions for Symrise because of its dynamic economic development,” states a company release. The company has therefore continually expanded its presence in Brazil over the past few years. The next step will be to pool all developmental activities at a new Center of Expertise in Cotia. Over an area of nearly 8,000 sq m, the company will bundle its creative know-how for all of its corporate divisions. Production at the Sorocaba site will also be expanded further. With the acquisition of Belmay’s Brazilian activities, Symrise is expanding its existing offer of products in the application areas Fine Fragrances, Hair Care and Personal Care. With its broadened portfolio, Symrise will therefore be able to serve distinctive Latin American consumer interests regarding care products.

Natural products are increasingly in demand, particularly in developed nations. With the acquisition of Trilogy Fragrances, Symrise is expanding its position in the natural fragrances segment. The transaction also contributes to the expansion of the company’s presence in North America and includes a long-term supplier agreement between Symrise and Trilogy’s previous parent group, TPR Holdings. With this agreement, Symrise secures preferential supplier rights along TPR’s entire product portfolio including Fine Fragrances, Personal and Oral Care as well as Functional Ingredients.

Symrise notes Trilogy has been the first American fragrance producer to be certified for the manufacture of organic fragrances through the USDA’s National Organic Program. This qualification is renewed annually. Trilogy specializes in the development of natural ingredients. The company’s product portfolio contains more than 7,000 formulas which are unique in their fragrance profile. Both parties have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential.

Achim Daub, the executive board member overseeing Scent & Care, said, “With the strategic measures announced, we underscore our determination to selectively expand and invest in our most rapidly expanding activities and regions.”

Through an exclusive strategic partnership with Indevex Biotec, Symrise is strengthening its Consumer Health division, which was founded in 2009. Indevex produces a patented nutrient complex and markets this primarily through a licensing model. The product concept for medical nutrition, health and functional foods as well as products for losing weight, optimally complement Symrise’s existing portfolio.

Symrise and Indevex have also agreed to develop new product concepts through joint research and development. Furthermore, Symrise has secured access to a Scandinavian biotech network with existing product partnerships. Symrise is assuming a minority stake and will be represented on Indevex’s board of directors by Dr. Bertram.

 From the February 28, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.