In order to streamline its portfolio in businesses that offer critical mass and bring competitive synergies to key markets, Cognis, Monheim, Germany, has sold its botanical extracts business to Burgundy Botanical Extracts, Reyssouze, France. According to the agreement, Cognis will continue production and distribution of certain botanical products for the cosmetics industry and will retain ownership of its Plantalin range, comprised of selective plant extracts designed for functional food and beverage applications. Burgundy Botanical Extracts will distribute the Plantalin range to the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries in the EU.