Lallemand acquires Aquapharm biotechnology platform

Aquapharm, founded in 2000 and is based at the European Centre for Marine Technology in Oban, Scotland has built up a library of over 10,000 marine micro-organisms harvested worldwide from unique marine habitats representing the biodiversity of the oceans. Using the business‟s patented SeaRchTM technology, Aquapharm has the expertise and R&D laboratory facilities to screen and identify new bacterial strains and novel classes of compounds and enzymes for use across a number of industry sectors. All of Aquapharm‟s scientific employees have now transferred to the Lallemand Animal Nutrition business unit which will now manage the Aquapharm R&D platform and library of microorganisms.

Commenting on the acquisition, Yannig Le Treut, General Manager Lallemand Animal Nutrition said, “Aquapharm‟s unique library of over 10,000 marine organisms and its expertise in screening these microorganisms will deepen our R&D capabilities. We intend to work closely with a number of Scottish Universities and our strategic partners to develop new microbial solutions to the challenges facing aquaculture producers and the livestock industry.”

Tim Pollock, Strategic Development Director for Lallemand Animal Nutrition said, “The acquisition of the Aquapharm business is good news, ensuring continuity of employment for the Aquapharm scientific team and giving Lallemand an R&D presence located close to some of the world‟s leading marine research organisations. The Aquapharm platform will be used to screen marine microorganisms for potential use in all Lallemand businesses, including our Animal Nutrition, Biofuels, Plant Care, Yeast and Health Solutions business units. We also intend to make the Library and R&D facilities available for use by our strategic business partners and by third party organisations seeking novel marine derived organisms and actives.”