Symrise, a global supplier of fragrances, flavourings and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industries, has made two US acquisitions this month as part of its strategy to expand into the US air care market.

Symrise, a global supplier of fragrances, flavourings and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industries, has made two US acquisitions this month as part of its strategy to expand into the US air care market.

US scent businesses Intercontinental Fragrances and Manheimer Fragrances were snapped up within a three-week period, positioning Symrise as one of the largest fragrance suppliers for air freshners in North America, where the air care products market is estimated to be worth more than $300 million.

Both deals are anticipated to be worth around $100 million dependent on performance targets. The acquisitions will add $12 million to the German group’s sales.

Intercontinental Fragrances specialises in developing and marketing fragrances for candles. The family-run business is based in Houston, Texas and is active in the US market with smaller subsidiaries in Asia, Latin America and Europe.

In 2007 Intercontinental Fragrances generated sales of $16 million.

Manheimer Fragrances develops scents for candles and air freshners and is based in New Jersey. The company was the first fragrance supplier worldwide to receive organic and fair-trade certification.

In 2007 Manheimer Fragrances reported sales of $40 million.

Commenting on the deal, Dr Klaus Stanzl, president Symrise Scent & Care, North America, said: “In addition to Asia, the US is the most important growth region for our Scent & Care division.”