15/06/12

US chemical manufacturing company FMC has acquired Phytone, a leading natural colors producer based in the UK, for an undisclosed amount.

Phytone produces natural products and formulations for food, beverage, personal care and nutrition sectors. Its manufacturing, development labs and headquarters office are located in Staffordshire, UK.

According to FMC, Phytone is ideally situated in the UK, which will enhance the company's service to European color customers.

FMC CEO and chairman Pierre Brondeau said the acquisition underscores the FMC's commitment to grow its new natural colors portfolio.

"We expect the high-growth, natural colors market to reach well over $1 billion by 2015. The addition of Phytone's unique color technology, coupled with our acquisition last year of Chilean-based South Pole Biogroup, greatly strengthens our position in this exciting market," Brondeau added.

FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial, environmental and consumer markets globally In 2011, FMC had annual sales of approximately $3.4bn.