Japanese conglomerate, Sumitomo, and its US subsidiary have acquired Presperse, a formulator and distributor of specialty ingredients and formulated solutions for the cosmetic and personal care markets.

Presperse’s customers include virtually all the major multinational manufacturers of cosmetic, toiletry and personal care products. Its main products include: Permethyl and SiClone specialty hydrocarbons, spherical powders, marine active ingredients, mineral powders, physical sunscreens, botanical actives, and Bismuth-based pigments.

Sumitomo views this acquisition as an opportunity to expand its presence in the global cosmetics market, in complement to its activities in medical science. The Japanese group expects Presperse to further grow in international markets such as Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, China and Southeast Asia as well as Japan. In particular, since this acquisition would offer Presperse the opportunity to explore new technologies and product lines for the skin care market, tapping into Sumitomo’s strength in the bio-venture and pharmaceuticals industry.

This investment will strengthen Presperse’s R & D capability as creative technology innovators of new functional ingredients in the areas of sun care, colour cosmetics, skin care and hair care applications,” said Mr. Hiromichi Maruyama, Senior Vice President, General Manager for Chemicals & Electronics Group, Sumitomo Corporation of America.

Presperse’s leadership team will for the most part remain the same.