The animal health and nutrition industry is witnessing a wave of strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding capabilities and market reach.
Kemin Industries has acquired Hennessy Research Associates to bolster its vaccine development portfolio, Balmoral Funds has taken over Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition to create a new platform for custom feed solutions, and CVC Capital Partners is said to be the frontrunner to acquire the animal nutrition division of dsm-firmenich.
Kemin is aiming to strengthen its position in the global animal health market with the acquisition of Hennessy Research Associates, a Kansas-based veterinary contract research and vaccine manufacturing organization.
Founded in 2001 by Dr Kristina Hennessy, that entity specializes in the development of vaccines targeting infectious animal diseases. The company has expertise in biological manufacturing, in vitro test development, host animal challenge models, and USDA ELISA Reference Requalification methods. Its maintains that its collaborative approach with client scientists and regulatory teams ensures streamlined and optimized production processes.
“As Kemin continues to expand our offerings in animal vaccines, the acquisition of Hennessy Research Associates allows us to strengthen our position in the US and global animal health markets with additional expertise and science-backed research that is critical to ensure the health and welfare of animals worldwide,” said Dr Chris Nelson, CEO of Kemin Industries.
Under the Kemin umbrella, Hennessy Research Associates will operate as a specialized Contract Research Organization (CRO), Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), and Contract Manufacturer (CMO) focused on veterinary biologicals.
Industry M&A roundup
In other notable developments, Balmoral Funds has acquired Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition, a US provider of custom nutrition solutions for livestock, aquaculture, and pet food markets. The transaction includes the full Wilbur-Ellis nutrition portfolio, encompassing brands such as Rangen, Ametza, Emmert, Oxy-Gon, Oxy-Gold, and Oxy-Block, along with proprietary premixes, ingredient blends, and sourcing services.
The newly acquired business will be rebranded as Rangen and will operate as an independent platform. Mark Essig has been appointed CEO. “Together with Balmoral’s support, we will accelerate innovation and growth across the livestock, aquaculture and pet food markets,” Essig stated.
DSM-Firmenich spin-off
Meanwhile, CVC Capital Partners has emerged as the sole remaining candidate to acquire the animal nutrition division of dsm-firmenich, according to Dutch publication Financieele Dagblad. Nutreco and Apollo Global Management were allegedly earlier candidates.
And discussions are understood to be underway for DSM-Firmenich to retain a minority stake in the newly formed entity following the spin-off.
