dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners

Core Viewpoint - dsm-firmenich has agreed to divest its Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) business to CVC Capital Partners for an enterprise value of approximately €2.2 billion, which includes an earnout of up to €0.5 billion, while retaining a 20% equity stake in the divested companies [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The divestment of ANH follows the sale of Feed Enzymes activities to Novonesis for €1.5 billion in 2025, marking a strategic shift for dsm-firmenich to focus solely on consumer sectors in nutrition, health, and beauty [2]. - The total enterprise value of ANH, including the previous sale, amounts to €3.7 billion, reflecting a 10x EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiple [2][5]. - dsm-firmenich expects to receive approximately €1.2 billion post-transaction, with an estimated €0.6 billion in net cash proceeds and a vendor loan note of €0.1 billion [5][12]. Group 2: Business Structure and Operations - ANH will be divided into two standalone companies: the "Solutions Company" and the "Essential Products Company," both based in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland [5]. - The Solutions Company will focus on Performance Solutions, Premix, and Precision Services, while the Essential Products Company will handle Vitamins, Carotenoids, and Aroma Ingredients [5]. - dsm-firmenich will enter into a long-term supply agreement for vitamins with the Essential Products Company to ensure continuity in supply for human and pet food applications [5]. Group 3: Financial and Strategic Implications - The transaction is expected to result in a non-cash impairment of around €1.9 billion in 2025 before taxes, with additional cash tax and transaction costs of €0.2 billion anticipated in 2026 [12]. - dsm-firmenich plans to initiate a share repurchase program worth €0.5 billion in Q1 2026 and aims to maintain a stable dividend of €2.50 per share, with a policy of progressively increasing dividends over time [3][4]. - The CEO of dsm-firmenich emphasized that this divestment represents the final step in their strategic roadmap, aiming to accelerate growth and create long-term value for stakeholders [7].