Lanxess has signed a corresponding agreement to acquire the microbial control business of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) for $1.3 billion or 9.6x EBITA. The deal should be completed in Q2 2022, following a carve-out process and subject to regulatory approvals. This is the firm’s second largest ever buy, just ahead of the recently completed acquisition of Emerald Kalama.