Groupe Berkem acquires Laboratoires ERIGER to strengthen position in cosmetics market

Specialists in technologies derived from pharmaceutical research for the cosmetics industry, Laboratoires ERIGER has developed and patented PhytoVec® technology, an innovative process for encapsulating active plant ingredients using chlorophyll. Encapsulation consists of imprisoning unstable active ingredients within a protective micro-capsule, thus protecting them from any risk of oxidation or deterioration caused, for example, by light.

This technology represents a major advance for Groupe Berkem's 'Health, Beauty & Nutrition' business area, due to the major benefits it offers: Greater efficacy, improved stability and optimal formulability of plant active ingredients. Its effectiveness has in fact been demonstrated in combination with several plant active ingredients for cosmetic use, notably by ensuring better concentration of the active ingredient in the final product.

A study carried out by the Spincontrol laboratory, involving a panel of 60 people, on the combination of vitamin A with PhytoVec® technology demonstrated 100% efficacy on wrinkles. In addition to these recognized benefits for cosmetic products, the integration of PhytoVec® technology also protects fragrance molecules, enhances sensoriality, improves the efficacy of anti-wrinkle and antioxidant active ingredients, and limits the use of preservatives.

Due to the combination of its expertise in plant chemistry and PhytoVec® technology, Groupe Berkem is now able to produce micro-encapsulations in chlorophyll-based products such as hydroalcoholic solutions and serums, consolidating its position as a key player in plant chemistry. Groupe Berkem is also working on integrating certain products developed by Laboratoires ERIGER into its range of cosmetics.

Olivier Fahy, chairman and CEO of Groupe Berkem, stated, 'We are delighted to integrate Laboratoires ERIGER's cutting-edge technology into our Group. The production tools will be transferred to our industrial site in Chartres, a city recognized as a center of excellence and competitiveness for international players in the cosmetics industry. Laboratoires ERIGER's recognized know-how will be an invaluable asset in consolidating our expertise in plant-based chemistry and strengthening our position in the active cosmetics market.'

'Their patented PhytoVec® technology, which micro-encapsulates plant active ingredients thanks to the chlorophyll they contain, is a major breakthrough that we intend to deploy to its full potential within our 'Health, Beauty & Nutrition' business area. In markets constantly seeking naturalness, the integration of Laboratoires ERIGER's active ingredients represents a major step forward, enabling us to offer our customers and prospects ever more innovative solutions. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Eric Buchy for his commitment and invaluable support throughout this operation.'

Eric Buchy, CEO of Laboratoires ERIGER, added, 'The acquisition of Laboratoires ERIGER's activities by Groupe Berkem represents a genuine industrial continuity for PhytoVec® technology. I'm delighted by Groupe Berkem's ambition, embodied by Olivier Fahy and his teams, to make PhytoVec® technology an essential reference in the field of encapsulation of plant active ingredients. I am convinced that our shared know-how will be the driving force behind our future success. It is therefore with great enthusiasm that I join Groupe Berkem in this new journey, with the aim of making plants an essential pillar of tomorrow's chemistry.'

Groupe Berkem will present PhytoVec® technology and its many benefits at the in-cosmetics Amsterdam trade show, to be held from April 8 to 10, 2025.

The transaction was closed March 6, 2025, and the financial terms are confidential.