Givaudan to purchase speciality ingredients producer Ungerer

Swiss flavours and fragrances firm Givaudan has signed a deal to acquire US-based speciality ingredient and flavour company Ungerer for an undisclosed amount.

This acquisition forms part of Givaudan’s 2020 strategy to grow its global business.

Givaudan CEO Gilles Andrier said: “The acquisition of Ungerer fits very well with our long-term strategy for our core business in flavours and fragrances.

“They have an excellent reputation in the market, thanks to the quality of their speciality ingredients, as well as their strong position in the fast-growing local and regional customer segment.

“We have great respect for the company and are very confident that the acquisition will further enhance our industry leadership, both through the vertical integration into key speciality ingredients for our flavour and fragrance creations, as well as in asserting our leadership with local and regional customers. We look forward to welcoming the Ungerer employees to the Givaudan family.”

Headquartered in New Jersey, US, Ungerer operates eight manufacturing facilities and six research and development centres. It employs nearly 650 people across more than 60 countries.

Ungerer controlling owner Barbara Voorhees said: “I am very proud of all that Ungerer has accomplished throughout its 125 years as an independent company and we are confident that the company will continue to flourish as part of Givaudan.

“We believe that we have a strong set of shared values with Givaudan and that this transaction represents a very positive step for Ungerer’s customers and employees.

“I know that my late husband Gary Voorhees would be immensely satisfied to see the company that he led with integrity for many years join forces with the industry leader, Givaudan.”

The deal is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.