Acquisition of Alban Muller

2 March 2021: Croda International Plc acquired botanicals specialist Alban Muller to expand our portfolio of active natural ingredients, for a total consideration pf £16m.

Croda International Plc (“Croda”), which uses smart science to create high performance ingredients and technologies that improve lives, today announces it has agreed to acquire the worldwide business activities of Alban Muller. With an annual revenue of €18m for the year to 30 June 2020, Alban Muller is a leader in the creation and supply of natural and botanical ingredients for the global beauty industry. The acquisition expands Croda’s portfolio of sustainable active ingredients for customers in personal care markets. 

Established in France in 1978 and now employing 90 people, Alban Muller is renowned for its eco-responsible approach to developing innovative botanical extracts, natural formulation ingredients and natural organic cosmetics. With a focus on locally sourced raw materials, the company is an excellent fit for Croda’s Beauty Actives business, principally comprising Sederma and Crodarom, also based in France. The acquisition provides Croda with access to some of the most innovative technology in the botanicals market, including Zeodration, a low-energy drying technology that preserves the most sensitive of active ingredients. 

With Alban Muller recognised as a sustainability leader in the market, the acquisition further enhances Croda’s significant portfolio of ingredients created from bio-based raw materials, in line with its Commitment to be the most sustainable supplier of innovative ingredients. 

The combination provides Croda’s customers with access to high-tech natural active ingredients whilst enhancing Alban Muller’s future growth through access to Croda’s international sales network and formulation expertise. 

Maarten Heybroek, President of Croda’s new Consumer Care sector said: “We have admired Alban Muller’s sustainability focus and extensive know-how for many years and are delighted to welcome the team to the Croda family. The acquisition of Alban Muller enhances Croda’s position as a world leader in natural and botanical actives, helping us meet the increasing demand from customers looking for ingredients of natural origin to improve the sustainability profile of their products.” 

Monsieur Alban Muller added: “I am pleased to pass on the baton to Croda to further expand the eco responsible approach I have advocated for so many years. Croda is the ideal partner to increase the growth of natural products, enhancing our expertise and giving us access to new markets. I am sure the combination will drive future developments in natural ingredients that will be very beneficial for consumers.”