DSM Acquires Microbia

HEERLEN, NetherlandsRoyal DSM N.V. acquired Microbia Inc., Lexington, Mass.; terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Previously owned by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Microbia has developed a technology platform to produce natural carotenoids and other nutritional ingredients from renewable resources. DSM expects to incorporate this proprietary technology and R&D capabilities to further develop its natural carotenoid portfolio.

Leendert Staal, president and CEO of DSM Nutritional Products, commented: The acquisition of Microbia represents a significant step for DSM in our strategy to accelerate our innovation activities in natural products and fermentation processes. This acquisition allows us to expand our product portfolio as well as our research and development capabilities."

Kevin Madden, chief science officer, Microbia, added, We are thrilled to join DSM. Being part of a large global organization, and a world leader in industrial biotechnology, vitamins and carotenoid development, manufacturing and sales will expedite our ability to leverage our proprietary bio-based technology platform. We look forward to help accelerate DSMs ongoing efforts to develop, produce and commercialize the next generation of nutritional ingredients and other materials that will help the food, feed, chemicals and other industries produce more innovative and sustainable products, in a far more cost effective and responsible manner."