Evocatal, based at Monheim Germany, has acquired the majority of compatriot Aevotis, based at Potsdam, for an undisclosed sum. Both firms are industrial biotech specialists, with the former focused on enzymes, the latter on carbohydrates.

The acquisition solidifies existing collaborations in enzyme development, production and use of enzymes for development of innovative raw materials, such as carbohydrate oligomers, polymers for use in food and non-food industries, Evocatal said, adding that "the new one-stop shop will provide technology solutions based on enzymes and enzymatic biotransformation processes and products."

For Evocatal, "this investment is a clear forward integration along the value chain targeted at the development and launch of new products." Through the takeover, Aevotis will gains access to a broad enzyme library as well as in-house enzyme development and production capabilities, the company said.

Thorsten Eggert, CEO of Evocatal, said Aevotis' technology and portfolio is "an ideal strategic fit" with his company's platform.

Aevotis licensed its first product for food applications to a US-based multi-national ingredient producer and another for non-food uses to a UK-based firm. Together with the new owner, "we will continue licensing and partnering models in product development," founders and co-chiefs Volker Landschütze and Martina Döring said.

The merger will speed up the transition from development to market launch, the executives added.

Interest in carbohydrate oligomers and polymers is increasing, due to their functional and nutritional properties as dietary fibers with health promoting effects, the companies said, noting that production of novel carbohydrates by enzymatic bioconversions is based on sustainable raw materials.