Deal: Australian Botanical Products has been acquired by IXOM.

Value: Undisclosed.

Area: M&A.

Key players: The legal team advising Australian Botanical Products was led by partner Oliver Jankowsky, with assistance from senior associate James Bull and lawyer Tamara Charlwood. Partner Andrew O'Bryan advised on tax aspects, while partner Mark Dunphy and lawyer Aerin Hines advised on employment issues.

Deal significance: Australian Botanical Products is a supplier that was founded by chairman John Fergeus in 1981. Since then it has grown to be one of the leading suppliers of essential oils, carrier oils, raw materials and fragrances for professional use, maintaining a big presence in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, aromatherapy and industrial industries.

Meanwhile, IXOM is a multinational water treatment and chemical distribution company.

IXOM’s acquisition of Australian Botanical Products comes as the former looks to grow at a faster rate, according to a statement from Hall & Wilcox, which noted the transaction also “represents a growth opportunity for IXOM’s life sciences business through an expanded product offering and access to ABP’s Australia, New Zealand and Asian customer base”.

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“ABP CEO Jessica Pearce will continue running ABP’s commercial business as part of IXOM’s life sciences business, while Mr Fergeus will continue providing technical and product development expertise,” the statement said.

Commenting further, Hall & Wilcox lead partner Mr Jankowsky said: “We are very pleased to have been able to finalise this transaction which was unusual for many reasons. Congratulations to John Fergeus and team on this achievement.”