Ingredient supplier Kerry Taste & Nutrition has acquired a majority stake in c-LEcta, a biotech company specialising in enzyme engineering and bioprocess development.
The German biotech group will continue to operate on a stand-alone basis and existing management will remain in post and retain a stake in the business. “This decision is to ensure that the c-LEcta team remains completely focused on innovation, research and commercialisation of their specialist technologies, while also providing Kerry access to their capabilities and platforms,” Kerry’s head of science and technology Albert McQuaid told FoodNavigator.
Expanding Kerry’s biotech expertise
Through the deal, Kerry is building a ‘strategic partnership’ with this ‘highly innovative biotech company’ that, McQuaid observed, benefits from ‘leadership positions in enzyme engineering, fermentation and bioprocess development’.
c-LEcta is a fully integrated biotech group covering a large part of the value chain, from discovery, to engineering and commercial production of enzymes. Located in Leipzig, the group works in the realisation of high-value biotechnology products for regulated markets, either as in-house development or in close cooperation with the industry.
C-LEcta innovation capability delivers ‘cost-efficient and sustainable production processes’, creating growth opportunities across existing and new markets. “They research and develop fermentation-based products, including disruptive new enzymes and other technologies, which are used to create better, more sustainable and healthier products,” McQuaid elaborated.
