CHEMICALS business Croda has announced the acquisition of an Italian biotech firm as it posted a 6.3% rise in pre-tax profits.

The company has Istituto Di Richerche Biotechnologiche for around £5.9m and will fold it into its Sederma skin care business.

IRB has 19 staff and last year had a turnover of around £1m.

Croda saw sales for the six months to the end of June grow 2.4% to £572.9m helping pre-tax profits hit £132.6m.

Chairman Martin Flower said: "These are a robust set of re......for the full story register now for free or login below...