Exponent takes bite of IFF’s Flavour Specialty Ingredients

• The proposed sale includes four dedicated manufacturing and distribution facilities in the UK, US and China
• Flavour Specialty Ingredients is a supplier of high-value, specialty base aromas
• Exponent targets European companies with enterprise values between €150-500m

Exponent has agreed to acquire IFF’s Flavour Specialty Ingredients division (FSI), a global supplier of base aromas. The proposed sale includes four dedicated manufacturing and distribution facilities in the UK, US and China, as well as additional distribution centres in Mexico, Brazil and Hong Kong.

Headquartered in the UK, FSI is a supplier of “high-value”, specialty base aromas with an offering of natural and aroma chemical products. The company serves more than 970 clients across Europe, North America and Asia and generates over $100 million in revenue.

“FSI is a global leader in the base aromas market, with a strong customer base and a differentiated portfolio of Natural and Aroma Chemical products,” said Mark Taylor, partner at Exponent. “This strong market position is founded on deep technical expertise and a reputation for supplying products of the highest quality. With further investment and support as an independent business, we see a significant opportunity to accelerate FSI’s growth.”

New York-based IFF offers differentiated ingredients for customers ranging from large multinationals to start-up and private-label brands. IFF supplies the food and beverage, fragrance, home and personal care, and health and wellness end markets.

Exponent is a London-based private equity firm that invests in companies headquartered across Europe with enterprise values between €150-500m.