Royal DSM acquires dairy solutions provider CSK Food for $166m

The Dutch company Royal DSM has acquired speciality dairy solutions provider Koninklijke CSK Food Enrichment (CSK) in a €150m ($166m) deal.

Acquiring CSK forms part of Royal DSM’s strategy to strengthen its product portfolio in the food and beverage sector.

The company also aims to improve taste, texture and bio-preservation solutions for Dutch heritage cheeses such as Gouda and Edam, as well as further its expertise.

Royal DSM Food Specialties president Patrick Niels said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Royal CSK to DSM. Our companies have a great fit together, with a shared passion for dairy, skilled and dedicated people, and complementary solution portfolios.”

“Today’s dairy needs are constantly changing, and DSM continues to invest in enabling customers to keep satisfying consumer demand, helping them grow their business, while we grow ours in line with our purpose-led, performance-driven strategy. The acquisition of CSK will greatly strengthen our ability to do so.”

As part of the deal, DSM will be acquiring CSK’s dairy application centre, located in Food Valley, Wageningen, and its high-tech fermentation facility in Leeuwarden, both in the Netherlands. These facilities are expected to increase DSM’s production capacity for various products in Europe.

The deal is expected to close before the end of the year.

Established in 1905, CSK has been associated with Dutch heritage cheese cultures for more than a century.

Royal CSK CEO Sanne Melles said: “In DSM, we recognise the opportunity for CSK to leap forward that we were looking for.

“Our combined capabilities will accelerate our international growth ambition and enhance our innovative offerings to the dairy industry.”