Solabia unveils strategic repositioning toward cosmetics and nutraceuticals
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.
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.
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.