DuPont is creating a new $45.4 billion consumer goods giant by merging its food and nutrition business with International Flavors & Fragrances. The deal announced Dec. 15 values the DuPont unit at $26.2 billion. DuPont shareholders will retain a majority stake in the new entity, which will have a combined annual revenue of more than $11 billion.
New York-based IFF (IFF) develops flavors and fragrances for consumer brands. The company has 33,000 customers and hundreds of manufacturing and research facilities around the world, according to its website. DuPont, which counts Kevlar and Styrofoam as clients, has been shaking up its business in recent years.
The former giant DowDuPont is now three separate companies that focus on material sciences (now called Dow Inc. (DOW)), agriculture (now dubbed Corteva (CTVA)) and specialty goods (DuPont). Aside from its nutrition unit, DuPont also focuses on products related to electronics, transportation and construction.
IFF and DuPont want to blitz the global ingredients market while cutting down on costs significantly. The firms said in a joint statement that they are projecting savings of about $300 million within three years of closing the deal, and expect the new company to achieve a leading position in segments including soy proteins, enzymes and probiotics.
The firms want to close the deal, which is still subject to approval by regulators and IFF shareholders, by early 2021. IFF CEO Andreas Fibig will continue to serve as chairman and chief executive.