The Israeli company has acquired 70 per cent of the shares in savoury ingredients provider GewurzMuhle Nesse. Shares in the Germany-based firm were bought for €18.41 million plus a future success fee payment based on continued improvement in Nesse's future EBIT. "We believe that this strategic acquisition is another significant milestone in implementing our rapid growth strategy," said Ori Yehudai, president of the Frutarom Group. "The acquisition will significantly strengthen Frutarom's technological capabilities and savoury offering, as well as our market position in both West and East Europe as a leading flavours supplier, while contributing to our sales turnover and profit." Nesse has certainly achieved strong growth in the past few years. Sales have grown from €14.4 million in 2001 to €21.4 million in 2004 and Frutarom expects sales to continue growing at a double-digit rate in 2005.