Kerry / Grean Technologies

Kerry Group, based in Tralee, Ireland, is one of the largest providers of ingredients and flavors to the food and beverage industry.  Kerry supplies over 15,000 foods, food ingredients and flavor products to customers in more than 140 countries worldwide. 

Kerry Group engaged Grace Matthews to divest its aroma chemical contract manufacturing business, Alfrebro, a recognized developer, manufacturer and marketer of complex aroma chemicals utilized in a broad range of flavor and fragrance applications.  The Business became a part of Kerry Inc. in connection with a larger acquisition of Cargill Flavor Systems in November 2011.  Kerry did not view the Business as a strategic fit with its Beverage Systems & Taste Solutions Division.

Given Alfrebro’s research and development capabilities and blue-chip customer base, Grace Matthews was able to identify a select group of strategic buyers that could leverage Alfrebro’s operational capabilities and relationships to an existing business platform. Grace Matthews introduced the Alfrebro story, highlighted the business fit, and generated interest from a number of qualified buyers.

After receiving strong, competitive indications of interest from a number of strategic food ingredient companies, the business was eventually sold to Grean Technologies.  A thorough understanding of the business operations and ability to integrate quickly made Grean Technologies the most logical acquirer. 

The process exceeded Kerry Group’s expectations, as Grace Matthews was able to maximize value while divesting the business in a timely manner.  The divestiture ultimately allowed Kerry to re-allocate capital towards its goal of becoming the leading provider of ingredients, flavors, and integrated solutions to the food and beverage industry.