Evonik has agreed to buy the probiotics business of Spanish animal feed ingredients producer Norel for an undisclosed sum. The deal includes the company’s probiotics portfolio as well as its production site in León, Spain. The business is planned to be integrated into Evonik’s Animal Nutrition business line, which the German company is currently expanding to provide innovative solutions for antibiotic-free livestock management.

As the Essen-based chemical producer noted, probiotics play a key role as a possible alternative to the use of antibiotics and antibiotic growth promotors. While they are generally regarded to have a positive effect on animals’ gastro-enteric system, their full benefits as well as their potential positive impact in other health areas, however, have not yet been fully exploited, it added.  

Along with Norel’s range of products, the acquisition will give Evonik access to more than 20 markets including Europe. By combining the technologies of the two companies, Emmanuel Auer, head of the animal nutrition business line, said Evonik will be able to create a platform for the development of new customer solutions built around probiotics product families and application services.

Additionally, Auer said, extending the company’s product range beyond its traditional amino acids portfolio to include innovative feed additives, will allow it to contribute further to the efficiency of animal feed and to create additional value for customers.