MARCQ-EN-BAROEUL, FR — Lesaffre, an independent global player in fermentation and microorganisms, announced a majority stake acquisition in Biorigin, a business unit of multinational yeast derivative producer Zilor.
The acquisition enhances the supply of yeast derivatives for savory ingredients and improves production processes, logistics and services for Lesaffre’s global customer base.
With 70% of its total corporate capital, Lesaffre will become the controlling shareholder of Biorigin, while Zilor will remain a shareholder with 30%. The deal includes Biorigin’s production unit in Quata/Sao Paulo.
“This acquisition of a majority stake in Biorigin represents an exciting new chapter for Lesaffre,” said Brice-Audren Riche, CEO of Lesaffre. “It will offer development opportunities to meet the growing needs of the human food and nutrition industries, as society currently demands savory ingredients from natural sources.”
“Committed to delivering responsible taste through Biospringer, and together with Biorigin, we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions to customers around the world.” — Brice-Audren Riche | CEO | Lesaffre
The purpose of this acquisition is to leverage both company’s capabilities to enable advanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions for consumers worldwide. The business combination between Lesaffre and Biorigin will offer customers benefits with upgraded production capacity and innovative solutions.
“We are stepping up to a new dimension thanks to this strategic move to reinforce Lesaffre and its Business Unit Biospringer by Lesaffre as global players in the field of yeast extracts for the savory ingredients market,” Riche added. “Importantly, we are doing this with a key strategic partner, Zilor, who shares similar values to Lesaffre, and a strong focus on corporate social responsibility. Committed to delivering responsible taste through Biospringer, and together with Biorigin, we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions to customers around the world.”
Zilor will continue to produce, market and sell the products. The deal is subject to the fulfillment of the preconditions of the transaction and is expected to close over the next few months. Until then, Biorigin and Lesaffre shall remain independent with their business.
“Biorigin’s 20-year history has been marked by innovation and commitment to sustainability,” said Fabiano Zillo, CEO of Zilor. “We believe this partnership will be a great opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and enhance the supply of yeast derivatives to the human food and animal nutrition markets.”
Earlier this year, Lesaffre acquired dsm-firmenich, another key player in the yeast extract industry, further expanding on its strategy to become a global specialist in yeast derivatives in the savory ingredients market.
