Takasago reached an acquisition agreement with Wessel Fragrances, Inc., a producer and distributor of fragrance based in New Jersey, U.S.A. Takasago will be acquiring Wessel Fragrances, Inc. (Wessel) under the agreement.

Working from its headquarters in New Jersey, U.S.A., Wessel provides operations for customers in household and personal care and other fields. We expect that the synergic effect between Wessel's customer base and Takasago's creative and technical strength will enable us to develop and expand fragrance businesses in global markets, particularly in the U.S.A. The acquisition forms an important part of our global strategy.

Takasago International Corporation (U.S.A), the acquiring company, will not only increase net sales but also take over Wessel's proprietary technology and close relationships with customers. We will thereby gain momentum towards our dramatic advances in the days ahead.

Summary of Wessel Fragrances, Inc.
(1) Corporate name: Wessel Fragrances, Inc.
(2) Representative: Kenneth L. Wessel
(3) Address: 400 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, U.S.A.
(4) Date of foundation: 1988
(5) Net sales: $20.5 million (FY2007)