The HallStar Company has acquired BioChemica International, a leading supplier of exotic butters and oils for use in personal care products. The acquisition represents a strong move into the burgeoning natural and organic personal care products market.
The industry recorded $3.8 billion in sales in 2009, boasting a 14% compound annual growth rate from 2003 to 2009. “Based on marketplace trends and our current position as a provider of innovative personal care ingredients, expanding into the naturals space is a logical move that will help us better serve our customers while also delivering profitability,” said John Paro, HallStar chairman, president and CEO. “HallStar and BioChemica enjoy, quite literally, great chemistry. Together we will make a market impact well beyond what either of us could accomplish individually.” Since a rebranding initiative launched in 2007, HallStar has expanded its position in supplying innovative ingredients to companies across a wide range of personal care product categories. With the acquisition, HallStar becomes an immediate player in the naturals space, Paro said. BioChemica, meanwhile, brings a highly regarded technical expertise and process in developing and marketing exotic butters and oils. HallStar will support BioChemica with resources enabling the business to develop new consumer-friendly products and to more effectively market those products globally. “HallStar has built its successful personal care business through innovation and customer service,” said Larry Moroni, president and CEO of BioChemica. “These are the same principles that have made BioChemica a leader in our product categories.” BioChemica will continue to serve its global customer base from its Melbourne, Florida facility, retaining its employees as well as its brand as a HallStar business unit.
