Specialty ingredients supplier Seppic announces purchase of Serdex

Supplier of specialty ingredients for health and beauty Seppic has finalised the purchase of Bayer's cosmetic ingredients unit, Serdex.

This acquisition is expected to increase Seppic's presence in natural active ingredients for the cosmetics sector. It will also enable Seppic to meet consumer demands for natural products.

The move follows the company's acquisition of manufacturer BiotechMarine in 2013.

Air Liquide group's executive committee member François Jackow said: "With this acquisition, Air Liquide strengthens its position in the market of active ingredients of natural origin, meeting the high and increasing demand of consumers for these ingredients.

"The complementarity of Serdex and Seppic allows us to widen our know-how to better serve our beauty care customers and continue the development of this eco-responsibly sourced active ingredients activity.”

With a turnover of €8m reported in 2015, Serdex produces botanical active ingredients for dermatological cosmetics and skin treatment.

The acquisition will see Serdex bringing to Seppic its expertise in high-purity extraction, in sourcing of exotic plants, and its knowledge of Malagasy plants.

Seppic currently has presence in more than 100 countries through its affiliates and distributors and has 660 employees. Its parent company supplies medical gases, home healthcare services, hygiene products, medical equipment, and specialty ingredients.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.