DSM acquires specialty dairy solutions provider CSK

DSM acquires specialty dairy solutions provider CSK

(PRESS RELEASE) HEERLEN, Netherlands, 18-Nov-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — Royal DSM to acquire specialty dairy solutions provider Koninklijke CSK Food Enrichment C.V. (“CSK”) for a cash consideration of about €150 million. Subject to customary conditions, the transaction is expected to close before the end of the year. 

DSM’s single largest segment in food and beverages is dairy, and with the combination of DSM’s dairy business and CSK will better serve the increasing customers’ demand for solution providers with a broad portfolio of offerings and deep expertise, to support them in delivering differentiating, delicious and sustainable end products to consumers. The acquisition will address the fast-growing and attractive dairy cultures markets.

DSM will further strengthen its product portfolio and application know-how and expertise in food & beverage through the acquisition of CSK. Particularly in the complementary area of taste, texture and bio-preservation solutions for semi-hard cheeses such as Dutch heritage cheeses Gouda and Edam. CSK’s state-of-the-art dairy application center in Food Valley, Wageningen (the Netherlands) is included in the transaction. CSK will also bring its high-tech fermentation facility in Leeuwarden (the Netherlands) into DSM’s global manufacturing network. This will provide additional production capacity for a range of products, located in the strategically important European region.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Royal CSK to DSM. Our companies have a great fit together, with shared passion for dairy, skilled and dedicated people, and complementary solution portfolios. This is also a testament to DSM’s commitment to the dairy industry, which we support throughout our Nutrition businesses. Today’s dairy needs are constantly changing, and DSM continues to invest in enabling customers to keep satisfying consumer demand, helping them grow their business, while we grow ours in line with our purpose-led, performance-driven strategy. The acquisition of CSK will greatly strengthen our ability to do so,” commented Patrick Niels, DSM Food Specialties President.

“In DSM, we recognize the opportunity for CSK to make the leap forward that we were looking for. Our combined capabilities will accelerate our international growth ambition and enhance our innovative offerings to the dairy industry,” said Sanne Melles, CEO of Royal CSK.

Both companies share a long history of serving food and beverage markets in the Netherland. Founded in 1905, CSK has a track record of Dutch heritage semi-hard cheese cultures of more than 100 years, while in 2019, DSM celebrates 150 years of fermentation and biotechnology innovation at its site in Delft.

In 2018, CSK generated net sales of €65 million with approximately 180 employees, around 150 of whom are based in the Netherlands.

Contact information:

Lieke de Jong-Tops
Senior Communications Manager
+31 45 578 2420

Dave Huizing
Vice-President Investor Relations
+31 45 578 2864

SOURCE:  DSM