Announced yesterday, the transaction, which is to be completed at the end of August, ties in with Azelis’ strategy of supporting organic growth with a series of strategic acquisitions in Europe and globally.
The purchase of Quimdis also adds the Paris-based firm’s expertise and range of ingredients specifically catering to the sports nutrition, weight management and joint health sectors.
“Following our recent acquisition of Vigon in North America and now Quimdis, Azelis is well positioned to develop, structure and implement a global strategy for flavour & fragrance market with the aim to become a market leader,” says Dr Hans Joachim Müller, Chief Executive Officer & President at Azelis.
“Quimdis will be our EMEA pilar of that strategy and a crucial part of creating a global flavour & fragrance platform.
“Quimdis and Azelis will combine its relationships with top tier principals, with the aim of extending mandates in existing and new countries for a number of attractive product groups.”
‘Diversify’ and ‘expand’
In a prepared statement, Azelis spoke of the transaction as a way to ‘diversify’ and ‘expand’ its presence in France and EMEA.
“The acquisition of Quimdis provides Azelis in EMEA with an important foothold in the growing non-cyclical markets of flavours and fragrances, synergistic opportunities in animal nutrition, and expands its offering in nutraceuticals.”
Current offerings in the Quimdis sports nutrition range include CinnaGlyc, it’s blend of cinnamon bark extract and chromium chloride titrated in proanthocyanidins and chromium.
Also available is the firm’s ipowder, a blend of 13 plants extracts obtained from a patented process that preserves the plants’ active components. Almost all the extracts are titrated in one active molecule.
Other preparations on offer include ifluid, a blend of 23 fresh plants that are organic solvent free and offer benefits to digestive, cardiovascular, hepatic as well as joint health.
“We are delighted about the opportunity to continue to grow our business under Azelis’ ownership,” comments Jean-François Quarré, Founder and CEO at Quimdis.
“As well as benefitting from Azelis’ global principal relationships, Quimdis will have access to Azelis’ digital marketing and technical capabilities which will allow us to develop and promote innovative and sustainable solutions for the life science industry.
“Becoming part of the Azelis family provides many synergistic opportunities that will help secure our future.”
Vigon acquisition
The acquisition of Quimdis closely follows the acquisition of Vigon International as a way to strengthen Azelis’ US presence in the flavours and fragrances sector.
Vigon are said to offer a product portfolio that includes flavours, natural and synthetic aroma chemicals, actives, functional ingredients, and essential oils.
Commenting on the transaction in May, Frank Bergonzi, Azelis Americas Chief Executive Officer & President, said the acquisition was, ‘an important component of our overall growth strategy for Azelis in the Americas.’
“Vigon provides Azelis the impetus for geographic expansion in these markets across North America, as well as a platform for future acquisitions of complementary businesses in the food ingredients segments.
“Vigon’s co-manufacturing and blending capabilities provide us an added value proposition that we can leverage to better serve our principals and customers.
“We have been impressed by their passion, strong entrepreneurial spirit and “can do” attitude. In short, this is an excellent fit with the Azelis culture, on many levels.”
Digital marketing & tech abilities
Quimdis, which was founded in 1988 by Jean-François Quarré, Michel Manalt and Claire Couratier, originally focused on essential oils and active ingredients, evolving into ingredients distribution and formulation development.
Under the deal terms, Quarré will remain in his position to support the transition of Quimdis to Azelis.
“We are delighted about the opportunity to continue to grow our business under Azelis’ ownership,” Quarré says.
“As well as benefitting from Azelis’ global principal relationships, Quimdis will have access to Azelis’ digital marketing and technical capabilities which will allow us to develop and promote innovative and sustainable solutions for the life science industry.
“Becoming part of the Azelis family provides many synergistic opportunities that will help secure our future.”
