Emerald looks to enhance Europe offering with Innospec Widnes deal

US speciality chemicals firm Emerald Kalama Chemical is looking to improve and enhance its offering in Europe having reached a definitive agreement to acquire Innospec Widnes Limited.

The deal will see the business group of Emerald Performance Materials take over the Innospec subsidiary subject to the standard legally required review processes and approvals.

“The acquisition of Innospec Widnes helps us accomplish several key strategic goals. With the acquisition, we are taking a significant step to expand our footprint, global reach and service to customers in the flavour and fragrance industry,” explains Peter M. Fielder, vice president of Emerald Kalama Chemical’s flavour and fragrance product line.

“The operation in Widnes increases our manufacturing capabilities and provides a great base from which to serve customers in Europe and the rest of the world.”

Portfolio

At present Innospec Widnes is one of the leading manufacturers of aroma chemicals at its location in the UK.

Its high-purity ingredients add fragrance to perfumes and household products, and this deal will see the business become part of the Emerald Kalama Chemical flavour and fragrance business.

“The Innospec Widnes products will also complement our current portfolio, roughly doubling the range of materials in our aroma chemical line. We are very enthusiastic about this acquisition and feel it is a great fit for Emerald,” continues Fielder.

Emerald is a portfolio company of New York-based American Securities LLC, a leading private investment firm. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Continuing expansion

The move comes as Emerald ramps up its European presence in 2015, having made investments in the Netherlands, France and Germany.

In March the company appointed Federica Galli to the new position of sales manager, fragrance and flavours for EMEA.

The new role was created to provide greater support for the EMEA region as the market for aroma chemicals continues to grow worldwide.