Novonesis to Acquire Remaining Stake in MicroBioGen, Strengthening Industrial Yeast Platform
核心洞察
Novonesis (搜索) has signed an agreement to acquire the remaining shares of Australian biotech MicroBioGen (搜索), building on a 23% stake held since 2013.
The acquisition strengthens Novonesis (搜索)' yeast capabilities and R&D expertise in line with its 2030 strategy, according to CEO Ester Baiget.
MicroBioGen (搜索) brings a platform technology and elite yeast genetics library developed over 20 years, with applications spanning bioethanol, baking, sustainable feed, and food.
Novonesis (搜索) has signed an agreement with the intent to acquire MicroBioGen (搜索), an Australian biotechnology company with leading scientific expertise in yeast strains for industrial applications, particularly in bioethanol. The acquisition, announced from Copenhagen, Denmark, builds on Novonesis' 2013 investment in MicroBioGen and its current 23% stake, further strengthening a decade-long collaboration in advanced yeast solutions for bioethanol production.
Ester Baiget, CEO of Novonesis (搜索), framed the acquisition as a strategic move: "This acquisition marks an additional step in our 2030 strategy. It strengthens our yeast capabilities, strengthens our R&D capabilities, and reflects our disciplined investment focus to drive growth."
A Foundation of Shared Scientific Expertise
As a pure-play biology company, Novonesis (搜索) combines deep scientific expertise in microbiology and industrial fermentation with approximately 10% of annual sales invested in innovation. The acquisition of MicroBioGen (搜索) builds on this foundation, strengthening core expertise in biological solutions.
Claus Crone Fuglsang, Chief Scientific Officer at Novonesis (搜索), emphasized the cultural and scientific alignment between the two organizations. "We see MicroBioGen (搜索) as a perfect match building on more than a decade of close collaboration, and we look forward to integrating their technology into Novonesis. With the acquisition, we will continue to strengthen our capabilities and develop the biosolutions our customers need," Fuglsang said.
MicroBioGen (搜索)'s Technology Platform
MicroBioGen (搜索) has developed a platform technology and library of elite yeast genetics over 20 years, delivering what it describes as "Yeast Innovation as a Service" to industry leaders globally. The company's capabilities have been demonstrated through its bioethanol partnership with Novonesis (搜索) and the co-development of the Innova yeast series, which delivers exceptional industrial performance.
Beyond bioethanol, MicroBioGen (搜索)'s yeast optimization technology has opportunities across existing and emerging industries, ranging from baking and sustainable feed to energy and food applications.
Continuity and Regulatory Path
As part of the agreement, Novonesis (搜索) will continue to support MicroBioGen (搜索)'s existing partners and ensure continuity in its collaborations. Geoffrey Bell, CEO and Co-founder of MicroBioGen, expressed confidence in the transition: "Joining Novonesis is a strong fit for MicroBioGen and its employees. After more than a decade of close collaboration, we could not think of a better home for the company."
The terms of the transaction will not be disclosed. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Australia's national competition, consumer, fair trading, and product safety regulator.