Natural vitamin E, plant sterols and high-purity surfactants manufacturer Kensing, owned by private equity fund One Rock Capital Partners, has announced the acquisition of Vitae Naturals. The Spanish company produces plant sterol esters and non-GMO natural Vitamin E derivatives for the food, nutrition and skin care markets.

The incorporation of the company from Talavera de la Reina (Toledo), founded in 2000, strengthens the US company's presence in Europe and makes it one of the leading groups in the world in plant sterol esters and natural vitamin E.

Applications
According to the two companies, plant sterol esters, which Vitae Naturals markets under the brand name Vitasterol, contribute to lowering cholesterol naturally, and also help fight heart disease when added to margarine, yoghurt and supplements.

Natural vitamin E derivatives, which the Talavera-based company markets under the Vitapherole brand, are mainly used in vitamin supplements and as natural antioxidants in foodstuffs and cosmetics.

Food ingredients
Upon welcoming the new company to the group, Kensing CEO Serge Rogasik stressed that, “This acquisition is highly complementary; it strengthens our footprint in Europe and enables further expansion in the food ingredients sector. This is an exciting time for both companies, and we look forward to partnering with the Vitae team to accelerate our growth objectives.”

For his part, Managing Director of Vitae Naturals, Rafael Cano Mariblanca, stressed that both businesses "share similar values" and explained, "Kensing offers a strong platform to build upon our position in our existing markets and expand further into the personal care market. Together, we have a truly diversified presence with many opportunities for growth.”

Vitae Naturals manufactures its products in Talavera de la Reina and supplies them to customers in the food and nutrition, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and animal feed sectors in over 40 countries on five continents. Kensing is based in Kankakee, Illinois.

^{Photo: Vitae Naturals}