Samyang Holdings acquires Verdant Specialty Solutions
Samyang Holdings, a South Korean conglomerate, has announced the acquisition of Verdant Specialty Solutions, a U.S.-based specialty chemical manufacturer, from OpenGate Capital for approximately USD250 million. This strategic move aligns with Samyang Group’s ambition to strengthen its specialty business and expand its global operations.
Founded in 1924, Samyang Holdings is a global conglomerate with businesses in chemical, bio-pharmaceutical, food ingredient, and beverage packaging. With more than USD 5 billion in assets, Samyang operates through 18 subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide, committed to high ESG standards.
Verdant, now a subsidiary of Samyang Holdings, specialises in the supply of amphoteric surfactants for personal care products and non-ionic surfactants for industrial applications. With an annual revenue of around USD210 million, Verdant has established itself as a key player in the specialty chemicals market. “The acquisition of Verdant by Samyang Holdings is a great evolution for Verdant and its employees,” said Todd Nelmark, the new CEO of Verdant Specialty Solutions.
Verdant boasts a diverse client base of more than 1,000 customers worldwide, including prominent personal care brands like Unilever and L’Oréal, as well as industrial chemical manufacturers. The company employs around 300 people and has production bases in the U.S., UK, and Germany, positioning it for steady growth in developed markets.
Samyang Holdings, the holding company of Samyang Group, operates in various sectors, including chemical, food, biopharmaceutical, and packaging. The acquisition of Verdant is part of Samyang Group’s “Vision 2025” strategy, aiming for an annual revenue of KRW6 trillion (approximately USD4.6 billion) by 2025. The group entered the personal care specialty business in 2017 by acquiring the Korean listed company KCI and anticipates synergy between Verdant and KCI.
“The core of Samyang Group’s new growth strategy is ‘specialty’ and ‘global,'” said Kim Yoon, chairman of Samyang Holdings. “The acquisition of Verdant is the start of our plan to pursue M&A’s and joint ventures with various global partners. We’re inheriting Verdant’s excellence—including people, technology, and products—as we actively support Samyang Group’s goal of developing as a global leader.”
Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, Samyang Group is pursuing a mid- to long-term growth strategy, focusing on expanding its specialty business and global market share. The group is fostering various materials in health and wellness, semiconductor, secondary battery, and eco-friendly sectors.
