Speciality chemicals maker Evonik has announced it will be taking over a technology package from METabolic Explorer (METEX), an acquisition that is thought to strengthen the company’s biotechnology platform for amino acids.

The agreement, signed today in Paris, is also said to benefit METEX’s ability to commercialize other technologies that it has developed as alternatives to chemical processes, with the opportunity for future cooperations also being explored. 

As part of the EURO 45 million package, Evonik will acquire METEX’s ‘entire technology portfolio for the fermentative production of methionine, as well as patents, essential bacteria strains, and the inoLa™ brand’. The transaction is pending authorization of the Evonik commitees.

The Germany-based company will also acquire a back license agreement pertaining to certain patents to be transferred to Evonik. As a result of this agreement METEX will be able to continue using these patents for activities other than those relating to methionine. A R&D cooperation for the development of biotechnological produced amino acids is also in discussion. 

Dr. Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition Business Line, said, “Through its fermentative methionine production process, METEX has demonstrated excellent development work and was able to secure wide-ranging patent protection.
“The acquisition of this technology will expand our technological leadership for amino acids produced both chemically and by fermentation.”