Symrise Acquires Pinova Holdings

Symrise AG is strengthening its activities in the Scent & Care segment with the acquisition of Pinova Holdings, Inc. Headquartered in Brunswick, GA, Pinova Holdings is a supplier of ingredients from natural and renewable sources used mainly in the production of perfumes, fragrances and oral care products. With this acquisition, Symrise is expanding its range of fragrance ingredients and will thus boost its competitiveness in the creation of fragrance compositions.
 
Moreover, the company is extending its forward integration in menthol to include specialty cooling substances, which are seeing increased use in combination with menthol-based products. Symrise is acquiring Pinova Holdings for $397 million. Subject to conditions to be met within 12 months, the seller will receive a premium of $ 20 million.
 
Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG, said: “With the acquisition of Pinova Holdings, which owns the operating companies Pinova and Renessenz, we are taking a big step in the growth of our Aroma Molecules business. In view of the increasing importance of natural and renewable raw materials for the fragrance industry, the product range ideally complements our current portfolio. Pinova Holdings has recognized expertise and is very well positioned in that area. In addition, Pinova Holdings will broaden our portfolio of ingredients in Oral Care as well as some attractive new market segments. At the same time, the company will benefit from our global presence and sales structure as well as our R&D expertise.”
 
The product portfolio of Pinova Holdings comprises numerous specialized products in three business segments. In the Fragrance Ingredients segment the company is a leading supplier of fragrances derived from natural and renewable raw materials, including products based on wood, orange oils and paper production by-products. Pinova Holdings will thus complement the existing portfolio of Symrise. As a result, the Group will have access to major and high-volume platforms for fragrance ingredients.
 
In the Sensory Ingredients segment, Pinova Holdings main focus is on cooling substances used in combination with menthol-based products to enhance the cooling effect. They are used in the manufacturing of oral care products, chewing gum and beverages, among other areas. Symrise is one of the global leaders in the production of synthetic L-menthol, and with this acquisition is substantially strengthening its competitiveness in this particular field.
 
With the integration of the third business segment, Performance Specialties, Symrise will add attractive new product segments and clients to its portfolio, focusing on technical applications.
 
In the fiscal year 2014, Pinova Holdings recorded sales of $287 million with a workforce of about 400 employees. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal is expected to close at the beginning of 2016.