Kerry Group plc, the global taste and nutrition company announced Feb. 15 that it has reached an agreement to acquire c. 92% of the issued share capital of c-LEcta GmbH (‘c-LEcta‘) for a consideration of €137m¹ (~$226 million), with management to retain the balance. This follows the acquisition of 100% of the issued share capital of Enmex S.A. de C.V. on Dec. 14 for a consideration of €62m (~$70.4 million).
c-LEcta is a biotechnology innovation company specializing in precision fermentation, optimized bio-processing and bio-transformation for the creation of high-value targeted enzymes and ingredients. Based in Leipzig, Germany and employing over 100 people, c-LEcta has established itself as 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 strategically compelling combination will accelerate Kerry’s innovation capabilities in enzyme engineering, fermentation and bio-process development. 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. 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.
Enmex is a well-established enzyme manufacturer based in Mexico, supplying multiple bio-process solutions for food, beverage and animal nutrition markets. With a long history of partnering with global customers, Enmex has a complementary enzyme portfolio and a strong manufacturing infrastructure, which will extend Kerry’s fermentation and enzyme manufacturing capabilities into Latin America.
Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets, with its broad range of ingredient solutions reaching over 1 billion consumers around the world. Kerry's consumer insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions.
