DRT, a specialist since 1932 of the valorisation of rosin and turpentine extracted from pine resin, today announced its acquisition of Societe Bearnaise de Synthese (SBS), a company specialized in acrolein-based synthesis intermediates.

Based in Mourenx on the SOBEGI site, SBS produces acrolein derivatives used in fragrances, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. SBS employs 12 people at its production plant (6,000 tons capacity on a 10,000 m² site). The company reported net sales of €3.2 million for 2012 and is now the only firm in Europe whose expertise covers the entire acrolein process for these here above applications. SBS today becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of DRT.

DRT's acquisition of SBS guarantees users of acrolein derivatives, in particular for fragrances, not only a choice of supplier but also the certainty working with Mourenx plant that drastic conditions impose by production, handling and transport of these products will be fully respected.

The acquisition also expands DRT's portfolio of ingredients for the fragrance sector and adds a new area of know-how that opens the door to new markets (pharmaceuticals, industry, etc.).

"We saw this acquisition as a real opportunity on two counts," explains Laurent Labatut, Chairman and CEO, DRT. "First of all, by taking over SBS, DRT is saving 12 jobs and keeping a unique body of know-how in France; it also opens up new prospects for the Group to ensure our continued development over the long term," he added.