SensoryEffects CEO says buyer is ‘an ideal partner for us’

By Steve Bowman
Editor, The Brentwood Spirit

SensoryEffects, a Brentwood-based developer and producer of food and beverage flavoring systems, has agreed to sell all of its outstanding shares to Balchem Corporation, it was announced on Monday. Balchem produces ingredients for human and animal health nutrition and is based in New Hampton, N.Y.

The deal for the $567 million sale, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by May 10.

SensoryEffects’ management team will continue to lead the food and beverage business at Balchem, according to the Brentwood firm’s press release. Balchem’s food, pharma and nutrition business unit will be merged with SensoryEffects. The merger will create the largest business segment in Balchem, with sales of over $300 million.

“We are excited to enter into this agreement with Balchem, who is an ideal partner for us, strengthening our position by merging our business with its encapsulation and functional choline ingredients,” Sensory Effects CEO Charles Nicolais said in the press release. “Balchem is synonymous with the best in animal and human nutrition, and together, we look forward to delivering new and innovative ingredient solutions to our customers in the food and beverage industry.”

Balchem CEO Dino Rossi said the acquisition “will ultimately make our company one of the most comprehensive food ingredient solution companies globally.”

SensoryEffects makes powder, solid and liquid flavor systems, creamer and specialty emulsified powders, cereal-based products and other food and beverage delivery systems. It was formerly known as Performance Chemicals & Ingredients Co.

SensoryEffects’ corporate headquarters is in the Magna Place building at 1401 Brentwood Boulevard. It has manufacturing locations in Bridgeton and in six other states.