Clariant Acquires CRM International

• Acquisition of CRM International, a manufacturer of natural cosmetic ingredients, is part of company strategy to develop and strengthen portfolio of Industrial and Consumer Specialties Business Unit (ICS)
• Besides investing in its own research capabilities, ICS aims to accelerate sustainable solutions based on natural raw materials

Muttenz, January 14, 2013 – The Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant signed an agreement to acquire CRM International SAS, a French based manufacturer of natural ingredients for the personal care industry. The acquisition strengthens Clariant’s Industrial and Consumer Specialties Business Unit (ICS), which aims to accelerate sustainable, high performance solutions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2013. Financial details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

CRM (Cosmetic Raw Materials) is a privately held company, providing naturally derived ingredients based on olive oil. The product portfolio contains emollients, active ingredients, butters and natural alternatives to silicones. It supports customers – leading cosmetic companies globally – to develop innovative solutions for the increasing demand for sustainable and renewable products in the consumer care market worldwide.

Michael Willome, Head of Clariant’s ICS Business Unit, says the deal fits perfectly with Clariant’s growth strategy through extending its innovative and sustainable product portfolio. «With the acquisition of CRM, following the acquisition of OTC and the partnership with Kitozyme, we consequently pursue our way forward of providing innovative and high performance solutions to the consumer care markets», says Michael Willome.