Givaudan to acquire Quest International for £1.2 Billion

Givaudan expects to achieve annual synergies of CHF150 million with full benefits to be realized after year three. The acquisition will be financed by debt and the issuance of up to CHF 1 billion in equity.

22/11/06 Givaudan has signed an agreement with UK-based Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, to acquire its fragrance and flavour business, Quest International for £ 1.2 billion or around CHF 2.8 billion. Quest will extend Givaudan’s leadership position in all strategic segments of the fragrance and flavour industry. Integrating Quest’s unique set of talent, creativity, products and technology will result in a unique platform to serve customers and create a potential for accelerated growth. Givaudan expects to achieve annual synergies of CHF150 million with full benefits to be realized after year three. The acquisition will be financed by debt and the issuance of up to CHF 1 billion in equity.

This acquisition is fully in line with Givaudan’s strategy to focus on developing markets and to capture opportunities in key segments and at key clients. It will strengthen Givaudan’s current leadership and accelerate future growth, especially in important markets of Asia Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe and Africa and the Middle East. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval. It is hoped that completion will take place during the 1st Quarter 2007.

Gilles Andrier, Chief Executive Officer of Givaudan said: “Quest has regained momentum over the last three years thanks to the talent and commitment of its people. Thus, we are very excited to have this unique opportunity of creating an unrivalled industry leader, building on the strength, momentum and common values of both companies.”

In Fragrances, Givaudan will become the global market leader in fine fragrances and consumer products. Furthermore, it will expand the customer base and strengthen its position with existing clients. In Flavours, Quest will complement Givaudan’s product offering and creates the potential for faster growth in the food service segment. In addition, the position with the top 100 food and beverage companies will be further enhanced.
 
The addition of Quest will strengthen Givaudan’s technology portfolio, by expanding the offerings of taste solutions for Health & Wellness and by adding flavour delivery systems. In Fragrances, Quest will complement Givaudan’s creative image in fine fragrances and air care.
 
The transaction will also enable the company to significantly increase its research and development investments in order to provide its clients with breakthrough innovative solutions based on best-in-class consumer understanding methodologies. By applying Givaudan’s successful business model to an expanded sales, marketing, research and development base, the combined company will be well positioned to capture further growth in a globally, increasingly challenging business environment.
 
Jürg Witmer, Chairman of Givaudan stressed: “Givaudan has traditionally been a driver of industry consolidation by taking advantage of value enhancing acquisition opportunities while still focusing on profitable organic growth.”

The history of Quest dates back to 1905. It became part of ICI in 1997 through an acquisition from Unilever. The company is headquartered in Naarden, the Netherlands and is a fully owned subsidiary of the ICI Group. Quest is one of the leading players in the global flavour and fragrance market with a turnover of £ 560 million (approximately CHF 1,316 million) in 2005. Quest currently employs around 3,400 people.

Commenting on the sale Quest Chief Executive Charles Knott said: “This is an outstanding opportunity for Quest, joining the highly creative, most respected and profitable business in our industry and the clear market leader." 

“The combined businesses provide a powerful innovation platform and we are delighted about the extra value we will be able to offer to you in the future. Through this deal we will be in a position to better leverage our joint capabilities in the areas of consumer and sensory understanding, technology and science,” he added.