Kerry Group acquired two biotech firms in the last two months, building the taste and nutrition company’s capabilities in enzyme engineering, fermentation and bio-process development.
This week Kerry announced it would acquire 92 per cent of c-LEcta GmbH for €137 million (AU$216.7 million) while in December, the group acquired Enmex S.A. de C.V. for €62 million (AU$98 million).
c-LEcta specialises in precision fermentation, optimised bioprocessing and bio-transformation for the creation of high-value targeted enzymes and ingredients. Based in Leipzig, Germany, Kerry said the company was a “leading innovator in disruptive new sciences for the pharmaceutical market, with a strong pipeline of functional bioactives across food, beverage and other consumer markets”.
“This acquisition will further support Kerry's commitment to invest in the development of innovative sustainable technologies, which will be at the heart of future sustainable food and health systems.
“Kerry’s broad market reach across food and pharma markets, combined with its deep enzyme applications expertise and integrated ingredient technology design, will enable and accelerate the growth potential of c-LEcta's strong portfolio and technology capabilities,” Kerry Group said.
Mexico-based Enmex is an established enzyme manufacturer supplying multiple bio-process solutions for food, beverage and animal nutrition markets. Kerry said Enmex had a complementary enzyme portfolio and strong manufacturing infrastructure, which will extend Kerry's fermentation and enzyme manufacturing capabilities into Latin America.
