|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dsm-Firmenich to exit animal nutrition in $2.6 billion deal with CVC capital partners
|
|
Thursday, 12 February, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
|
In a significant strategic pivot, dsm-firmenich has reached an agreement to sell its Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) business to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners for an enterprise value of approximately €2.2 billion ($2.6 billion). The deal, announced recently marks the final chapter in the company’s transformation into a specialized consumer-focused leader in nutrition, health, and beauty.
The transaction includes an upfront payment and a potential earn-out of up to €0.5 billion. dsm-firmenich will retain a 20% equity stake in the divested business, which will be reorganized into two standalone entities: a "Solutions Company" focused on premixes and precision services, and an "Essential Products Company" housing vitamins and carotenoids. Both will remain headquartered in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland.
This divestment follows the 2025 sale of the company's feed enzymes activities to Novonesis for €1.5 billion. Combined, these moves value the total animal nutrition portfolio at €3.7 billion. Despite the strategic benefits, the sale will trigger a non-cash impairment of approximately €1.9 billion in the company’s 2025 accounts.
CEO Dimitri de Vreeze emphasized that the move allows dsm-firmenich to sharpen its focus on high-margin human nutrition and fragrance markets, reducing exposure to the volatile animal feed sector. "We have now evolved into a fully focused consumer business," de Vreeze stated. To reassure investors, the company also announced a €500 million share buyback program and a "stable to preferably rising" dividend policy.
While the deal price was viewed as conservative by some analysts, resulting in a 5.5% dip in share price following the news, the market largely welcomed the clarity. The sale is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Until then, dsm-firmenich will maintain long-term supply agreements to ensure continuity for its human and pet food applications.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|