Dutch company Caldic, which specialises in biological and chemical products for the food, pharmaceutical, personal care and industrial markets, has announced the acquisition of Spanish group Ricardo Molina, a supplier of ingredients and speciality chemicals for the industrial and life sciences markets. The closing of the transaction, pending regulatory approvals, is expected in the second quarter.

Based in Barcelona and founded in 1927, Ricardo Molina has a significant portfolio of products and services that will enhance Caldic's current offering and expand its presence in the Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American markets. Its products are aimed at the same markets in which the purchasing company specialises.

Advisory skills
Ricardo Molina's development and production capacity, focused on responding to the needs of its customers, is based on three areas: Molina Insights, Molina Lab and Molina Academy. Through them, the company has invested in enhancing its advisory skills and competencies, enabling its technical team to formulate solutions that combine innovation, technical expertise, market knowledge and business acumen.

In addition to the product portfolio and customer base, Caldic will strengthen its laboratory network. The Spanish company will provide a food application laboratory, a personal care laboratory and a third state-of-the-art research and development laboratory for industrial applications. The latter does in addition serve as a centre of expertise for the patented Ingrentia brand, which offers solutions for the construction, coatings and additives markets.

Innovative and sustainable solutions
Caldic Europe CEO Laurent Pasqualini explained, "Ricardo Molina's approach to creating unique value for each client is fully aligned with Caldic's ongoing quest to bring premium value to our partners' business. The complementary product portfolio and technical expertise will be valuable assets that will help us accelerate the delivery of innovative and sustainable solutions to customers in the European market. Together, as a leading player in Iberia, we can make a greater positive impact on the life sciences and materials markets in Spain and across Europe.

Ricardo Molina CEO Remedios Marcos, responded, "It is very exciting to join Caldic as we embark on a journey of growth with a customer-centric organisation on a global scale, enabling our managers and customers to benefit from a broader set of capabilities, experiences and best practices. We are excited about the prospect of partnering with Caldic to inspire solutions that create opportunities for our business partners to create value at an even higher level.

^{Photo: Ricardo Molina}