BRAIN AG Acquires Majority Stake In Biocatalysts

BRAIN AG has acquired a majority stake in Cardiff based speciality enzyme producer Biocatalysts Limited.

For over 35 years, Biocatalysts (and more recently Biocatalysts Inc, USA) has focused on the development, production and distribution of speciality enzymes for various industries such as food and fine chemicals. BRAIN is a leading technology company in the field of industrial biotechnology, developing microorganisms, natural substances and enzymes for the industrial use.

The strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Biocatalysts is intended to accelerate product driven growth in the fast growing speciality enzyme market and broaden the portfolio of the enzyme business of BRAIN.

Advised by law firm Blake Morgan, Biocatalysts Ltd generated revenues of approximately £9.5 million in the financial year 2016/17. Biocatalysts Ltd. will continue to operate under the current company name.

The strategic partnership between BRAIN and Biocatalysts will widen the commercial opportunities based on a strong complementary product portfolio and a perfect technology fit. Dr. Jürgen Eck, CEO of BRAIN AG, commented: “The new strategic partnership with Biocatalysts is aimed at accelerating product development, production and marketing of innovations in a growing bioeconomy which includes the field of speciality enzymes. Biocatalysts is one of the leading players in this field with proven production expertise as well as access to global markets. Together we can fuel our complementary enzyme businesses, increase growth margins and strengthen BRAIN Group’s BioIndustrial segment which aims at marketing own product candidates.”

Stuart West, Managing Director of Biocatalysts Ltd., commented: “Becoming a member of the BRAIN Group is an exciting opportunity to broaden our business in the rapidly growing speciality enzymes markets. Jointly we can more effectively develop innovative products for various industry sectors and bring them to market. BRAIN and Biocatalysts have a complementary product portfolio and also an excellent fit in terms of our vision to actively shape the future bioeconomy. We are very grateful to Blake Morgan for their guidance and support throughout the sale process.”

Robert Cherry is a Partner with Blake Morgan. He added: “There is real synergy between the two organisations. Customers will benefit from enhanced research and development as well as production and global distribution. It’s an exciting time in the market that is expected to see strong growth over the next few years. We wish BRAIN and Biocatalysts every success.”

Blake Morgan has an international portfolio of multi-national client companies (public and private), SMEs, owner managed businesses and start-ups with a need for high-quality corporate and M&A support and advice.  The team is acknowledged within the legal industry and in the independent legal directories, for providing a first-class level of service across a wide range of transactions including mergers, acquisitions, sales, private equity and joint ventures. The 2017 edition of the prestigious Legal 500 Directory The Legal 500 lists 16 Cardiff-based Blake Morgan Partners as “leading individuals” – the highest accolade the directory can give.