Who Owns Givaudan Company?

Givaudan Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	BCG	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10
	SWOT	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Owns Givaudan?

Givaudan's ownership journey is a fascinating look at corporate evolution. From its early days, the company has seen significant shifts, impacting its global standing in the flavors and fragrances market.

Understanding who holds the reins of Givaudan SA, a company with a rich history dating back to 1895, provides critical insight into its strategic decisions and market leadership. The company's transformation from a spin-off to a publicly traded entity has shaped its current influential position.

Givaudan SA, now the world's largest in flavors and fragrances, achieved sales of CHF 7.4 billion in 2024. With a global presence spanning 162 locations and employing over 16,942 individuals, its market capitalization stood at $38.76 billion USD as of July 31, 2025. This vast operation, which includes the development of products like those analyzed in the Givaudan BCG Matrix, is influenced by its diverse ownership base.

Givaudan's journey began in 1895 when brothers Leon and Xavier Givaudan established the company in Zurich, Switzerland, focusing on perfumery. The company's early years saw a significant move to Vernier, Geneva, in 1898, where a new factory was built. While the precise initial ownership stakes of the founding brothers are not detailed, their vision was instrumental in shaping the company's future in the fragrance sector.

Founding Vision

Leon and Xavier Givaudan founded the company in 1895, laying the groundwork for its future in the fragrance industry.

Early Expansion

The company relocated to Vernier, Geneva, in 1898 and established a new factory, signaling early growth.

Entry into Flavors

In 1948, Givaudan expanded its business by acquiring Esrolko SA, marking its significant entry into the flavors market.

Acquisition by Hoffmann-LaRoche

A pivotal moment in Givaudan's ownership history occurred in 1963 when it was acquired by Hoffmann-LaRoche.

Strategic Acquisitions

Following the acquisition of Givaudan, Hoffmann-LaRoche also acquired competitor Roure in 1964 and later Fritzsche, Dodge and Olcott.

Merger and Consolidation

In 1991, Givaudan and Roure were merged to form Givaudan-Roure, consolidating operations under Hoffmann-LaRoche's umbrella.

The period under Hoffmann-LaRoche's ownership was transformative for Givaudan, significantly influencing its trajectory and establishing its foundation as a major player in the global fragrance and flavors industry. This era of consolidation and strategic growth under a larger entity played a crucial role in shaping the company's competitive standing and market presence, setting the stage for its future as an independent entity. Understanding this early history is key to grasping the Competitors Landscape of Givaudan and its subsequent evolution.

Givaudan SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Givaudan's ownership journey saw a significant transformation in 2000 with its spin-off from Hoffmann-LaRoche and subsequent listing on the Six Swiss Stock Exchange. This move established Givaudan as a publicly traded entity, paving the way for its current ownership structure.

As of December 31, 2024, Givaudan's share capital comprised 9,233,586 registered shares, each with a par value of CHF 10.00, totaling CHF 92,335,860. The company had approximately 42,185 registered shareholders who collectively owned 53% of its capital. This broad shareholder base reflects Givaudan's status as a publicly traded company. In 2024, key beneficial shareholders holding over 3% of the share capital included BlackRock Inc. with 5.06% and the Haldor Foundation with 4.96%. Other significant institutional investors identified in Givaudan's investor base are Cascade Investment, L.L.C., The Vanguard Group, Inc., Assenagon Asset Management S.A., State Street Global Advisors, Inc., Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. It is noteworthy that Nestlé, which previously held a 10% stake after acquiring Givaudan's flavors division in 2002, divested its shares for $1.3 billion in 2013. These ownership shifts highlight a trend towards increased institutional investment in the company.

Givaudan's Major Shareholders

Understanding Givaudan's ownership structure reveals a significant presence of institutional investors. These entities play a crucial role in the company's financial landscape.

• BlackRock Inc. holds 5.06% of Givaudan's share capital.
• The Haldor Foundation owns 4.96% of the company's shares.
• Other major institutional investors include The Vanguard Group, Inc. and Cascade Investment, L.L.C.
• The company's transition to public ownership has led to a diverse Givaudan investor base.

Givaudan PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The Board of Directors at Givaudan SA is structured to provide strategic oversight, with its members being non-executive and independent as of December 31, 2024. The company's Articles of Incorporation allow for a board size between seven and nine members, ensuring flexibility in composition.

Givaudan SA operates under a single class of registered shares, each with a par value of CHF 10.00, granting one vote and an equal dividend right per share. This structure supports a one-share-one-vote principle among its Givaudan shareholders. At the 2025 Annual General Meeting, 60.39% of the total 9,233,586 registered shares were represented, highlighting significant shareholder participation in key decisions. Shareholders holding shares with a nominal value of at least CHF 1 million have the right to request agenda items for general meetings, ensuring that substantial Givaudan investors can influence discussions.

Givaudan's Shareholder Rights and Board Composition

Givaudan's corporate governance emphasizes shareholder rights and an independent board. The company's commitment to transparency is evident in its share structure and the process for board nominations.

• One-share-one-vote principle for all registered shares.
• Board members are non-executive and independent.
• Shareholders with significant holdings can propose agenda items.
• The board composition aims for diverse competencies relevant to the industry.
• Understanding Mission, Vision & Core Values of Givaudan provides context for strategic decisions.

Givaudan Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

In recent years, the company has demonstrated robust financial growth, with significant increases in sales and net income. This performance has been accompanied by a consistent strategy of rewarding shareholders, indicating a stable ownership environment.

The company's ownership structure remains largely characterized by significant institutional investment. Major asset managers, including BlackRock Inc. and The Vanguard Group, Inc., are consistently among the key Givaudan shareholders. While specific share buyback programs or new equity issuances for the 2024-2025 period are not detailed in public summaries, the company's financial reports and investor communications are the primary sources for tracking any shifts in its Givaudan company structure. The company's strategic objectives for 2025 include achieving organic sales growth of 4-5% on a like-for-like basis and maintaining a free cash flow of at least 12% over its five-year strategy cycle. The Givaudan stock performance has been strong, with the company likely to surpass its average five-year sales growth target for 2021-2025, having achieved an average like-for-like sales growth of 7.2% from 2021 to 2024.

Shareholder Returns and Dividend Policy

The company's Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of CHF 70.00 per share for 2024. This represents the twenty-fourth consecutive annual dividend increase since its 2000 listing.

Institutional Investor Presence

Major asset management firms are significant Givaudan investors. These institutions play a key role in the Givaudan ownership landscape.

Strategic Growth and Financial Outlook

The company is on track to exceed its 2021-2025 sales growth targets. Its financial performance reflects a commitment to long-term Givaudan stock value.

Understanding Givaudan Ownership Trends

For detailed insights into Givaudan's ownership, consulting their official Givaudan financial reports and investor relations updates is recommended. Understanding the Target Market of Givaudan can also provide context for its strategic direction.

Givaudan Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔