FDBusiness.com

Suffolk-based food flavouring and extract manufacturer Omega Ingredients has been acquired by global fragrance and flavouring leader Robertet Group in a deal originated and supported by FRP Corporate Finance. Omega Ingredients, based in Ipswich, creates natural flavours and extracts, and supplies high-quality natural aroma chemicals to food and drink producers worldwide.

Its client book includes global blue-chip companies and UK household brands, with previous innovative projects including working with NASA to recreate the ‘smell of space’ as part of efforts to increase the realism of astronaut training programmes.

Robertet Group, headquartered in France and listed on Euronext, is a global leader in the production of fragrances, flavours and natural raw materials. It operates from 14 sites across North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and has an annual turnover of €606 million.

The acquisition of Omega, supported by FRP Corporate Finance Partner Jon Dodge, Senior Manager Alex Hunton and Director Ryan Symonds gives Robertet a UK flavours and ingredients manufacturing presence, and further strengthens its development capabilities through Omega’s highly respected team.

Omega will benefit from Robertet’s international footprint to further extend its reach overseas, particularly in the USA, while also enabling the business to continue developing its base in the UK. This includes plans to build a new, carbon-neutral, state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility adjacent to its current Ipswich premises.

Jon Dodge, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Consumers around the world are increasingly conscious of what they are eating and drinking – something that’s prompting manufacturers to turn away from artificial ingredients, and driving huge amounts of activity in the flavourings and ingredients market.

“As leaders in natural products, Omega and Robertet are both in an incredibly strong position to capitalise on these trends. This deal is a strong alignment between two organisations renowned for their passion and commitment to innovation in natural food and beverage products, and will help each unlock further growth. We are proud to have represented the Omega shareholders in this transaction.”

Steve Pearce, CEO, Omega Ingredients, said: “We’re thrilled to begin the next chapter of our history as part of The Robertet Group. We share the same passion for naturals and products of excellence, the same vision with our CSR policies and of a strongly integrated sourcing of natural flavours and extracts.

“The team at FRP Corporate Finance have been incredibly supportive throughout this process – on hand to answer every question we’ve had and bringing a range of potential partner options to the table for us to consider.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the business we’ve built over the last 20 years. Together with the team at Robertet, we’re now looking forward to putting the next stage of our growth plans into action.”

Birketts provided legal advice to Omega Ingredients.