The Swiss specialty chemicals group Clariant signed an agreement to acquire CRM International, a French based manufacturer of natural ingredients for the personal care industry. The acquisition strengthens Clariant's Industrial and Consumer Specialties Business Unit (ICS).

The transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2013. Financial details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

CRM (Cosmetic Raw Materials) is a privately held company, providing naturally derived ingredients based on olive oil. The product portfolio contains emollients, active ingredients, butters and natural alternatives to silicones.