Solabia unveils strategic repositioning toward cosmetics and nutraceuticals
Luxembourg/New York/Paris, 20 October 2026 — Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm, today announced the strategic repositioning of its portfolio company Solabia (the "Company"), which is sharpening its focus on cosmetics, nutrition and life sciences with the ambition of becoming the global reference in natural and biotech active ingredients. Supporting this next phase, Solabia plans to divest its microbiology diagnostics division and has appointed Muriel Koch as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 29 October 2026.
Planned divestment of microbiology diagnostics division and appointment of Muriel Koch as President and CEO support ambition to become the global reference in natural and biotech active ingredients
Following its acquisition of Mibelle Biochemistry in June 2026, Solabia has become the world's leading independent player in cosmetic active ingredients. Building on its strong scientific and biotech capabilities, differentiated portfolio of active ingredients and international presence, the Company is well positioned to capitalize on growing demand for natural, science-backed ingredients and pursue further innovation and international expansion.
As part of this strategic repositioning, Solabia plans to divest its microbiology diagnostics division, enabling the Company to concentrate on its core markets of cosmetics, nutrition and life sciences. Under the proposed transaction, Solabia’s microbiology diagnostics division would be acquired by Oxoid Remel Microbiology, an Astorg portfolio company acquired in August 2026. The proposed combination would bring together complementary capabilities in microbiology diagnostics, providing a strong platform for continued development and international expansion.
To lead Solabia through this next phase, Muriel Koch has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 29 October 2026. Muriel brings more than three decades of leadership experience across cosmetics, nutrition and consumer markets, including over twenty years at Nestlé in senior roles across Europe and Asia, and most recently as CEO of Groupe NUXE, where she has driven its international expansion and modernisation. She will work closely with Solabia's Executive Committee and Astorg to deliver on the Company's growth ambitions.
Muriel succeeds Jean-Baptiste Dellon, who has led Solabia as President and CEO for the past four and a half years. During his tenure, Jean-Baptiste oversaw significant international expansion and several strategic acquisitions, including Mibelle Biochemistry and PolymerExpert, strengthening Solabia's position in cosmetics and nutrition. He will work closely with Muriel and the wider team to ensure a smooth transition into Solabia’s next chapter.
“This strategic repositioning marks an exciting new chapter for Solabia, building on its strong foundations and established international presence. The planned divestment of its microbiology diagnostics division will allow the Group to sharpen its focus and pursue new opportunities for growth. We are grateful to Jean-Baptiste for his leadership and the significant contribution he has made to Solabia's development, and are delighted to welcome Muriel and look forward to working closely with her and the wider management team to deliver on the Group's ambitions.”
"I am excited to join Solabia at this important stage in its development as the Group sharpens its focus on cosmetics, nutrition and life sciences. Having spent my career across these markets, I see significant opportunities to build on Solabia's strong foundations and realize our ambition of becoming the global reference in natural and biotech active ingredients. I look forward to working closely with the Executive Committee, Astorg and our talented teams to accelerate innovation, strengthen our customer partnerships and expand our international presence.”
“I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together at Solabia over the past four and a half years, and grateful to our colleagues, customers and partners for their contributions throughout this journey. With its clear strategic focus, strong foundations and talented team, I am confident that Solabia is well-positioned for continued success under Muriel's leadership.”
TRANSACTION DETAILS
The proposed transaction remains subject to the completion of applicable consultation processes, the execution of definitive agreements and any necessary regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the proposed transaction have not been disclosed.
Astorg
Astorg is a leading pan-European private equity firm with over €24 billion of assets under management. Astorg is a multi-specialist investor with deep expertise in healthcare, technology and business services. Within healthcare, Astorg concentrates on a narrow set of subsectors: pharmaceutical services and technology, MedTech and MedTech services, life science tools, and diagnostics. Enjoying a distinct entrepreneurial culture, an engaged shareholder perspective and a lean decision-making body, Astorg works with founders, entrepreneurs and management teams to acquire premium international B2B businesses, providing them with strategic guidance, governance and capital to enhance their strategic positioning and achieve their financial objectives. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Astorg has offices in London, Paris, New York, Frankfurt, and Milan.
For more information about Astorg: www.astorg.com | Follow Astorg on LinkedIn
Solabia
Solabia is a vertically integrated manufacturer of natural active ingredients for the cosmetics, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With nine production facilities and multiple R&D centres, Solabia is a major player in the global cosmetics, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical ingredient markets with presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
For more information about Solabia: https://www.solabia.com/en
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