Firmenich will acquire US-based ingredients firm Senomyx, increasing its portfolio of natural flavours for food and beverage companies.
The deal, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Upon closing, Senomyx will be integrated into Firmenich’s North America research and development organisation and its products will be commercialised through its taste platform. Senomyx’s research and development operations will remain in San Diego.
Switzerland-based Firmenich said that Senomyx is “innovation-driven and recognised for its world-class ingredient screening capabilities”. It recently identified and started developing a high-intensity and a clean-tasting sweetener, Siratose, which naturally occurs in monk fruit.
Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine said: “Building on our world-class science and pioneering taste platform, this strategic acquisition confirms our commitment to being the partner of choice in taste and nutrition.
“Adding Senomyx’s leading taste technologies and strong natural ingredients pipeline to our taste platform, uniquely positions us to create healthy and great-tasting food, drink and oral care experiences for our customers.”
Patrick Firmenich, chairman of Firmenich board, said: “Senomyx has established itself as a leader in taste innovation and a recognised pioneer in sweet, cooling and bitter solutions.
“Building on our long-term partnership spanning more than a decade, we look forward to welcoming Senomyx into Firmenich to lead in taste and nutrition.”
Senomyx CEO John Poyhonen added: “Firmenich’s commitment to innovation and delivery of world-class commercialisation capabilities combined with our long-standing relationship makes this deal the ideal fit for our companies.
“We believe this merger will allow the Senomyx discoveries to reach their full potential. I would like to personally thank all our employees for their dedication and contributions in building a leading proprietary taste science technology platform that will benefit consumers around the globe well into the future.”
The follows on from a strategic agreement Firmenich signed with Layn Natural Ingredients, a China-based producer of plant-based sweeteners, flavours and botanicals, giving it access to a range of natural sweeteners and taste modulation extracts.
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