Beiersdorf Sells Bode Chemie to Paul Hartmann

GERMANY: Paul Hartmann AG has signed an agreement with Beiersdorf AG to acquire a 100% interest in Beiersdorf’s affiliate Bode Chemie GmbH & Co. KG. The purchase agreement includes a long-term guarantee for Bode’s Hamburg locations. Ownership is expected to transfer at the end of the year. Bode Chemie, established in 1924, is one of Europe’s leading specialists for disinfection, hygiene and skin protection. Its roster includes Sterillium, an alcohol-based hand disinfectant. The company has approximately 280 employees and sales of approximately $89 million (at current exchange rates) in 2007.
   
“We see the acquisition of Bode as a strategically important step that excellently complements our focused growth strategy. It offers new opportunities to expand our system solutions in the area of disinfection. Bode has an extremely good reputation on the market. The synergy effects are obvious,” said Dr. Rinaldo Riguzzi, chairman of the executive board of Paul Hartmann AG.
    
The sale of Bode Chemie is in line with Beiersdorf’s strategy to focus on skin and beauty care.
    
“The agreement is a good overall solution for all involved,” said Beiersdorf’s chairman of the executive board Thomas-B. Quaas. “Beiersdorf can create good prospects for its affiliate by selling it to Hartmann while systematically pursuing its own successful course in the international growth markets for skin and beauty care.”

Sunstar Markets Cosmetics Made with Synthetic Collagen

JAPAN: According to published reports, Sunstar Inc. is selling a new line called Equitance Vitology, which is comprised of three cosmetic products made from synthetic collagen. Products are available in liquid, lotion and cream forms and boast a 40% better moisturizing effect than cosmetics that use natural collagen. These are the first cosmetics made with synthetic collagen to be sold nationwide, according to Sunstar.

Oriflame Opens New R&D Center In Ireland

IRELAND:  Swedish cosmetics firm Oriflame has opened its new, $3 million research and development center at Bray Business Park in County Wicklow, Ireland. First opened in 2000 with 28 scientists, the R&D center was originally planned to employ a total of 50. The number of scientists has increased over the years to 92, and the company further plans to expand to 127 over the next five years.
   
The new facility will serve as the company’s cosmetics center of excellence for product research and development, including regulatory affairs and product safety.
   
Oriflame has been in Ireland since 1979 when it opened a manufacturing facility in Dublin’s Sandyford area.
   
In other news, the Hindu Business Line has reported that Oriflame India is increasing production capacity at its facility in Noida as it plans to add as many 140 new SKUs in the personal care, skin care and oral care categories. Approximately 75% of Oriflame’s products sold in India are imported.

Unilever Adds Whitening Line

INDIA: Hindustan Unilever has launched Aviance Prestige Absolute White, a line that includes white hydrating foam, refreshing toner, refining day emulsion and intensive night cream.

Revlon Launches Adjustable Foundation Bottle

INDIA: Revlon has launched its cream foundation which features an adjustable dial on the bottle with five different settings to deliver five shades in one bottle. The package enables users to fine-tune the foundation shade for the perfect match to their skin.

SEPAWA Exceeds Expectations

GERMANY: Nearly 1,500 participants from 24 countries attended the 2008 SEPAWA Congress, which took place in Oct. 15-17 in Würzburg, alongside the European Detergents Conference (EDC).
   
“We are absolutely satisfied with the response…Increases in the number of participants as well a steadily increasing demand for more and larger exhibition stands prove that the SEPAWA Congress has great future prospects,” said Robert Fischer, spokesman.   
   
A new board of directors was elected at this year’s congress, and the number of board members was increased to seven. The new president is Prof. Dr. Ulrich Buller, research panel of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Other newly-elected members of the board are Thilo Baum, BASF AG, Axel Euler, Evonik (secretary), Robert Fischer, SOFW, Lothar Rasthofer, Horst Waltenberger, Impag GmbH (treasurer) and Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Wittern, Beiersdorf AG.
   
The next SEPAWA Congress with European Detergents Conference will be held Oct. 14-16, 2009 at the Convention Center in Würzburg. More info: www.sepawa.com.