Evonik Buys Metabolic’s Methionine Portfolio

Evonik has agreed to buy Metabolic Explorer’s methionine technology portfolio for €45 million. The deal, signed on Nov. 28, strengthens the Essen-based specialty chemical company’s biotechnology platform for amino acids. The package includes the entire technology portfolio for producing methionine by fermentation, as well as patents, essential bacteria strains and the inoLa brand. Also included is a back license agreement that allows the French biotechnology firm to continue using the patents for activities outside of methionine.

Emmanuel Auer, head of Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business, said Metabolic Explorer has demonstrated excellent development work and secured wide-ranging patent protection. “We believe the potential exists to develop viable process optimization methods for products manufactured using biotechnology – in animal nutrition and beyond. This acquisition will complement and broaden Evonik’s technology portfolio for important innovation fields,” he stated.

Benjamin Gonzalez, CEO of Metabolic Explorer, said proceeds from the sale will accelerate his company’s ability to further develop and market its other technologies, such as 1,3 propanediol (PDO), monopropylene glycol (MPG), or new high value-added molecules. The technology will be transferred to Evonik immediately after the German firm’s committees have given their approval, which is expected by mid-December. Both firms also said they will explore the possibility of cooperating to develop the biotechnological production of amino acids.