European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
American Dietetic Association evidence-based analysis puts questions to rest
Ajinomoto Co Inc to acquire full ownership of NutraSweet AG and Euro-Aspartame SA.
Zug, Switzerland - March 27, 2000
Ajinomoto Co Inc has agreed to acquire all the shares which it does not own
in its two joint ventures with Monsanto in the sweetener business in Europe.
NutraSweet AG located in Zug, Switzerland and Euro-Aspartame SA, located at
Gravelines in northern France, will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Ajinomoto Co Inc when the deal is closed.
NutraSweet AG is the leader in the European Aspartame market, while
Euro-Aspartame SA is the world's most modern manufacturing facility. The agreed
purchase price for the remaining shares in both companies is $67 million.
Hans Heezen, vice-president of NutraSweet AG said, "Since NutraSweet AG was
founded in 1983 in response to the demand for aspartame from the European food
and drinks industry, Ajinomoto has been a highly supportive shareholder in the
business. Now that Monsanto has decided to sell its interest in sweeteners, we
are delighted to become a full member of the Ajinomoto family."