- Evonik to strengthen its biotechnology platform
- Binding bid for METEX fermentation methionine technology
Amino acids produced by fermentation are an important pillar of Evonik’s product portfolio for sustainable animal nutrition. The production processes for Biolys® (lysine), ThreAMINO® (threonine) and TrypAMINO® (tryptophane) have been made continuously more efficient over the past years and the portfolio was just recently enlarged by launching ValAMINO® (valine). In order to strengthen its biotechnology platform Evonik intends the acquisition of a large technology package from the French company METabolic EXplorer (METEX) and has submitted a binding offer on October 27th. The bid is subject to approval by Evonik committees.
METEX, which is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand (France), has succeeded in developing a fermentation process for manufacturing methionine. The binding Evonik offer includes the takeover of METEX’s entire methionine technology as well as patents, essential bacteria strains, and the inoLaTM brand. These are to be transferred to Evonik after closing.
The transaction also includes a license agreement for the continued use of base technology by METEX. The companies also intend to explore the possibility of a research cooperation on the technological development of biotechnologically produced amino acids.
The companies are planning a timely conclusion of the agreement and have agreed to exclusivity and not to disclose any information on the next steps until the agreement has been signed.
Founded in 1999 the biotechnology company METabolic EXplorer specializes in the development of biotechnology production processes for bio-based substances that are used in a wide variety of daily everyday products such as textile fibers and feed additives.
About Evonik
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, operating in the Nutrition & Care, Resource Efficiency and Performance Materials segments. The company benefits from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. In 2015 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.47 billion.
About Nutrition & Care
The Nutrition & Care segment is led by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH and contributes to fulfilling basic human needs. That includes applications for everyday consumer goods as well as animal nutrition and health care. This segment employed about 7,000 employees, and generated sales of around €4.9 billion in 2015.
Source
Evonik, press release, 2016-11-03.
Supplier
Evonik Industries AG
Metabolic Explorer
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