Norton Rose Fulbright advises Roquette on acquisition of IFF’s Pharma Solutions business

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Roquette, a manufacturer of plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients for the health and nutrition sectors, on its acquisition of the Pharma Solutions business of International Flavors and Fragrances Inc (IFF).

This latest strategic deal, which follows Roquette’s acquisition of Qualicaps in 2023 and Roquette’s bond offering in 2024, aligns with the company’s long-term aim of investing in high-growth sectors across the globe. It will strengthen Roquette’s position in the health industry by integrating Pharma Solutions’ existing capabilities and product portfolio, and will enhance its ability to provide high-value drug delivery solutions to pharmaceutical customers worldwide.

Norton Rose Fulbright advised on all the antitrust aspects of the transaction, which was reviewed and unconditionally cleared by the European Commission. Merger control authorities also gave the deal the greenlight in USA, Brazil, Colombia, Türkiye, and India, and FDI filings were also reviewed and cleared in the US and Italy. 

The cross-border team was led by the firm’s Head of Brussels, Alexandra Rogers, with support from US Head of Antitrust Neely Agin (Washington, DC), partner Stefan H. Reisinger (Washington, DC), partner Jamie Cooke (London) and counsel Violetta Bourt (Brussels). Further assistance was provided by senior associate Matej Ovecka, associates Angelos Vlazakis and Julien Haverals, and trainee Aliriza Ozturk in Brussels; senior counsel Luke McFarland, senior associate Mark Angland and associate Claire Huitt in Washington, DC; Asia Head of Antitrust and Competition Marc Waha and counsel Nicolas Cassauba, as well as associates Danyi Xu and Joe Lee, in Hong Kong and Tokyo; and others from the global network.

With a team of more than 150 antitrust and competition lawyers in 20 countries, Norton Rose Fulbright can advise on all aspects of antitrust law including multinational mergers and clearances, cartels, abuse of dominance, international investigations, compliance, and the important area of antitrust litigation. The firm’s lawyers are qualified in multiple jurisdictions and practice before courts and competition authorities across the world.