IFF to expand into cosmetics ingredients

LEADING global creator of flavors and fragrances for consumer products International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) has made a binding offer for the acquisition of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, a business of Unipex Group. The acquisition, which is structured as a binding offer in order to allow the seller to consult with its French works council prior to entering into the final purchase agreement, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015 and is subject to exclusivity protection.

 

Under the terms of the offer, IFF will pay approximately €283 million. The transaction, which will be funded from existing resources, is expected to add revenues of approximately €40 million on an annualized basis.

 

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics develops, manufactures and markets innovative ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry. The company, headquartered in Quebec City, Canada, with operations in France and Australia, offers proprietary active ingredients, functional ingredients and delivery systems that address health and wellness macro-trends in the beauty industry in both the developed and emerging markets.

 

“The addition of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics to the IFF portfolio aligns well with our strategic growth initiative to strengthen and expand our portfolio,” said IFF chairman and CEO Andreas Fibig. “We believe they will be an excellent complement to our existing portfolio and will strengthen our ability to achieve our Vision 2020 goals of accelerated growth and increased differentiation.”

 

Lucas Meyer Cosmetics has a successful track record of delivering double-digit compounded annual sales growth since 2011 in a very attractive industry.

 

“This acquisition would combine our fragrance expertise, global commercial network, leadership in natural ingredients, and unique R&D pipeline with Lucas Meyer Cosmetics’ research and cosmetics ingredients innovation,” added Nicolas Mirzayantz, group president Fragrances. “This will strengthen our product offerings and enable IFF to be one of our customers’ partners of choice in the very attractive skin care and hair care segment. We’re looking forward to welcoming Lucas Meyer Cosmetics’ employees to IFF.”

 

IFF is the preferred partner for the future development of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics for “preserving the continuity of the world-class, innovative and market-driven cosmetic ingredient expertise built over the years by our dedicated and loyal employees,” said Antonio Lara, vice president and general manager of Lucas Meyer Cosmetics.

 

Morgan Stanley & Co. is acting as financial advisor to IFF, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is acting as legal advisor.