Bayer CropScience’s subsidiary Nunhems has inaugurated a new experimental station in Cartagena in the region of Murcia/Spain.

Frutarom Industries Ltd. has signed an agreement to acquire the savory activity and assets of Chr. Hansen A/S in Germany for approximately US$ 7.3 million. Chr. Hansen’s savory business had 2008 sales (ending Aug. 31, 2008) of approximately US$ 7.7 million, and in just the last nine months, sales reached approximately US$ 7 million. The Savory Functional Systems activities of Chr. Hansen develops, produces, and markets savory solutions, including flavors, seasoning compounds, and functional ingredients for the food industry, with special emphasis on the fields of processed meat and convenience food.

The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Essent of the Netherlands by RWE of Germany. Both companies are active in the electricity and gas sectors.