Naturex Acquires Indian Producer of Natural Powders and Colors Valentine

This third acquisition, since the capital increase in October 2011, once again fits with Naturex's strategy of acceleration of its development by targeting dynamic markets with high potential for growth and that provide synergies for the Group.

22 Mar 2012 --- Naturex, world leader in specialty plant-based ingredients, announces the acquisition of Valentine, an Indian company specialized in the production of fruit and vegetable powders and natural colors for the food industry.

This third acquisition, since the capital increase in October 2011, once again fits with Naturex's strategy of acceleration of its development by targeting dynamic markets with high potential for growth and that provide synergies for the Group.

A dynamic player in an Indian market with high growth potential Valentine has two production sites located near Mumbai and is among the main Indian players in the fruit and vegetable powders and natural colors market.

Thanks to its expertise in formulation and spray drying processes, Valentine has been able to win over the years the loyalty of a high-quality clientele within the Indian food industry, comprised of local companies as well as subsidiaries of multinationals.

Valentine, which has had a growth rate of 30% per year over the last two years, employs about fifty people.

This acquisition constitutes a strategic point of entry in a country with 1.2 billion inhabitants and for which the GDP per inhabitant of 3,700 USD helps it rank as the number 4 economy in the world1. In addition, the substantial development of a young and urban middle class for which the consumption codes are largely influenced by western culture, represents genuine opportunities for growth in the Indian food industry.

Carrying out this operation offers major strategic advantages to Naturex, allowing it: to become a local producer in India in order to strengthen its penetration in a market enjoying high growth, as the image of the local producer is an important factor of success in Naturex's business. This first industrial setup in Asia will supplement the Group's regional production centers in Europe and in the Americas, in particular for natural colors; to ensure promotion for all of the Group's product ranges while benefiting from the existing commercial structure and to develop close relations with the Indian food industry.

At the same time, Naturex sets up a purchasing office, like the one created in China a few years ago, in order to better benefit from the wealth of the country's raw materials (herbs, spices, plant extracts, etc.) at the scale of the Group.

"This acquisition provides us not only with a dynamic commercial presence in India but also allows us to become a producer in this country in order to best respond to the local issues that our clients face", declares Jacques Dikansky, President and CEO and founder of Naturex. "The tremendous growth potential of Valentine in a market enjoying high growth, combined with Naturex's technical and scientific expertise will allow for a fast integration of this acquisition and create value for our shareholders."