Hall & Wilcox advises Australian Botanical Products on its acquisition by IXOM

Hall & Wilcox has advised leading essential oil supplier Australian Botanical Products on its acquisition by IXOM, a multinational water treatment and chemical distribution company.

Hall & Wilcox advised on all legal aspects of the transaction, including drafting all transaction documents, negotiating terms and assisting with completion and post-completion matters.

Partner Oliver Jankowsky led the Hall & Wilcox team, assisted by 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.

Founded in 1981 by chairman John Fergeus, Australian Botanical Products (ABP) is one of the leading suppliers of essential oils, carrier oils, raw materials and fragrances for professional use across the world, in industries such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, aromatherapy and industrial.

The sale will enable ABP to grow at a faster rate. It 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. 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.

Partner Oliver 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.’

ABP Chairman John Fergeus said, ‘Thanks to the Hall & Wilcox team for getting us through a long and difficult process. It took lots of patience and dedication. We got a successful outcome thanks to Hall & Wilcox.’

Hall & Wilcox is a leading independent Australian law firm of around 750 people including over 90 partners, delivering outstanding legal services to corporate, public sector and private clients, both Australian-based and those offshore doing business in Australia. The Hall & Wilcox Mergers & Acquisitions team is widely recognised, including being listed in The Legal 500.