Merz Apothecary, which has been operating in Chicago since 1875, has made its first acquisition with the purchase of Kobo Candles.

Kobo was founded in 2006 and is based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The company is planning to move its operations from New York to Chicago this summer.

The acquisition of Kobo also will move Merz into the manufacturing world, as the candle company also creates label products for major retail brands. Operations will take place in the North Branch Industrial Corridor, two miles from their flagship location.

Anthony Qaiyum, president of Merz, says the acquisition will pave the way for future growth of opportunities in private label and manufacturing.

Both Merz and Kobo are family-owned businesses with international roots. Kobo was created by Junko Kobori, who is originally from Japan, and says she started the company as an ode to the places she traveled to with her husband.

“I was always struck by the scent of each place and how absent it felt when we attempted to recount our adventures with photographs and stories," Kobori said. "From this concept, the transformative power of fragrance, Kobo was born."

The company's move to Chicago is suitable, she said, as she and her husband, Louis, wanted to leave the company with a team of people who knew its value as they retired.

Merz has been cited as a mecca for those who want unique, natural and luxury products. Adding the candle company is on brand for Merz as it continues its legacy as a family-centered company focused on quality.

“Kobo makes impeccable products. It starts with the fragrance and the unbeatable burn of their hand-poured soy candles. I have been in this business over 50 years and Kobo Candles are quite simply some of the best we have sold at the store,” said Merz chairman Abdul Qaiyum.

Merz says it plans to grow Kobo quickly and create more employment and opportunity within the company. In August, five new jobs will be created to support the new operations.

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