Symrise Increases Its Stake in Kobo

Symrise AG has increased its holdings in the Kobo Products Inc. The transaction increases its stake in the US-based pigment and powder ingredients company to 49%.

The transaction creates further opportunities for both companies in the fields of mineral UV filters and decorative cosmetics, according to Symrise.

Additionally, Kobo customers will also benefit from expanded capacities and global supply chains, according to Symrise.

Based in South Plainfield, NJ, Kobo offers a range of surface-treated pigments and dispersions for makeup products and mineral sunscreen products.

“Kobo Products Inc. is the perfect partner for our activities in the field of inorganic sunscreen filters and color solutions for decorative cosmetics,” said Dr Jörn Andreas, the executive board member responsible for scent and care at Symrise. “With its innovative product range, Kobo perfectly complements our own portfolio. The corporate cultures of Kobo and Symrise also harmonize on all levels. For all these reasons, we feel very happy about this second investment and the expression of our confidence in Kobo that it makes.”

Symrise's partnership with Kobo began in 2021. The expanded partnership includes an agreement on the future disposition of shares of Kobo´s capital stock and the governance of Kobo. The funds raised in this transaction are to be used to expand capacity and enhance the supply chain to continue its growth trajectory and further optimize its business operations.

“Symrise has established itself as a reliable and trusted partner over the past two years,” said David Schlossman, president and majority owner of Kobo Products Inc. “Their second investment is exactly the commitment we were seeking in a partnership of this kind. The Symrise teams have been extremely welcoming to us and engaged in the products. We have a lot of exciting work ahead that will surely create new opportunities for our customers and employees.”