Evonik plans to buy Metabolic Explorer's methionine technology

German specialty chemicals company Evonik is eyeing to buy the methionine technology of Metabolic Explorer (Metex), the French biological chemistry company that specialises in developing manufacturing bioprocesses for bio-based compounds used in a wide range of everyday products, including textile fibres, animal feed supplements and resins. Evonik has submitted a binding offer for this to Metabolic Explorer on October 27, 2016. It includes the takeover of Metex’s entire methionine technology including patents, essential bacteria strains and the inoLa brand. 

The Metex Board of Directors, in its meeting on November 3, 2016, agreed to consider this offer from Evonik and accordingly decided to consult the company’s Workers Council. This consultation process is expected to last between 15 and 60 days maximum.

Metabolic Explorer has succeeded in developing a fermentation process for manufacturing methionine, which is one of the key amino acids that are used in feed additives and are an important pillar in sustainable animal nutrition.

With more than 60 years of experience in the production of essential amino acids, Evonik offers solutions for efficient and sustainable animal nutrition to customers in more than a hundred countries around the world. Acquisition of Metex’s methionine technology is expected to help the German chemical company to further strengthen its position in the global animal nutrition market.