German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has acquired the microbial control business of International Flavors & Fragrances, which has a production facility in St. Charles.
The $1.3 billion acquisition will make LANXESS one of the world’s largest suppliers of microbial control products. IFF’s microbial control business line has annual sales of $450 million and $100 million in EBITDA. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2022.
According to the announcement, IFF Microbial Control is one of the leading suppliers of antimicrobial active ingredients and formulations for material protection, preservatives and disinfectants. The products are used in a wide range of applications, particularly in personal care and household products, industrial water treatment as well as paints and coatings.
The transaction is still subject to approval by antitrust regulators.
IFF Microbial Control employs around 270 people and operates two production facilities at its U.S. sites in St. Charles, Louisiana, and Institute, West Virginia. The business also maintains a large partner network with active ingredient manufacturers and formulators. Following completion of the acquisition, the business is to be integrated into LANXESS’ Material Protection Products business unit.
