Plant-Based Chemistry Specialist Announces Acquisition of Acrolein-Based Synthesis Intermediates Producer

DRT, a specialist since 1932 of the valorisation of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine resin, has announced its acquisition of Société Béarnaise de Synthèse (SBS), a company specialised in acrolein-based synthesis intermediates.

Based in Mourenx (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) on the SOBEGI site, SBS produces acrolein derivatives used in fragrances, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. SBS employs 12 people at its 10,000 m² production plant with 6,000 tons capacity. The company reported net sales of €3.2 million for 2012 and is reportedly now the only firm in Europe that offers expertise covering the entire acrolein process for the aforementioned applications. SBS has become a wholly owned subsidiary of DRT.

DRT's acquisition of SBS guarantees users of acrolein derivatives, in particular for fragrances, not only a choice of supplier but also the certainty in working with the Mourenx plant that drastic conditions imposed by production, handling and transport of these products will be fully respected.

The acquisition also expands DRT's portfolio of ingredients for the fragrance sector and adds a new area of know-how that opens the door to new markets.

"We saw this acquisition as a real opportunity on two counts," explained Laurent Labatut, Chairman and CEO, DRT. "First of all, by taking over SBS, DRT is saving 12 jobs and keeping a unique body of know-how in France, plus it opens up new prospects for the Group to ensure our continued development over the long term."

DRT, +33 5 58 56 62 00, www.drt.fr.