Baker McKenzie has advised Kerry Group plc (“Kerry”), the global taste and nutrition company on the acquisition of approx. 93% of c-LEcta GmbH, with management to retain the balance.
c-LEcta is a leading biotechnology innovation company specialising in precision fermentation, optimised bio-processing and bio-transformation for the creation of high-value targeted enzymes and ingredients. Based in Leipzig, Germany and employing over 100 people, c-LEcta has established itself as a leading innovator in disruptive new sciences for the pharmaceutical market, with a strong pipeline of functional bioactives across food, beverage and other consumer markets.
This strategically compelling combination will accelerate Kerry’s innovation capabilities in enzyme engineering, fermentation and bio-process development. Kerry’s broad market reach across food and pharma markets, combined with its deep enzyme applications expertise and integrated ingredient technology design, will enable and accelerate the growth potential of c-LEcta’s strong portfolio and technology capabilities. This acquisition will further support Kerry’s commitment to invest in the development of innovative sustainable technologies, which will be at the heart of future sustainable food and health systems.
An international team of Baker McKenzie lawyers advised Kerry on the legal aspects of the transaction.
Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets, with its broad range of ingredient solutions reaching over 1 billion consumers around the world. Kerry innovates with its customers to create great tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a better impact for the planet. Kerry’s leading consumer insights, its global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists and extensive global footprint enable it to solve its customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions. Kerry is driven to be its customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. For more information, visit kerrygroup.com.
c-LEcta is a leading biotechnology company based in Leipzig, Germany. The company has established itself as a leading player in the realisation of high-value biotechnology products for regulated markets, either as in-house development or in close cooperation with the industry. c-LEcta's innovation capability delivers cost-efficient and sustainable production processes, creating growth opportunities in existing and new markets.
Baker McKenzie's global Corporate/M&A team advises on more cross-border transactions than any other law firm. Most recently, Baker McKenzie advised Celanese Corp. on the acquisition of DuPont de Nemours Inc, KAMAX on the acquisition of a majority stake in Galol, AURELIUS on the acquisition of Minova Group, Sika AG on the acquisition of MBCC Group, Advent International on the sale of Allnex Group to PTT Global Chemical, Paragon on the sale of NovumIP to Questel Group, TA Associates on the acquisition of a majority stake in IGEL, Embracer on the acquisition of Easybrain Limited, SAP on the trade sale of the SAP Digital Interconnect communications unit to Sinch AB, Air Liquide on the sale of the Schülke Group to Swedish financial investor EQT and Evonik on the sale of its methacrylates group to Advent International.
Legal advisor to Kerry:
Baker McKenzie
Lead:
Corporate/M&A: Dr. Thomas Gilles (partner, Frankfurt), Dr. Richard Stefanink (associate, Dusseldorf), Dr. Markus Mörtel (associate, Frankfurt)
Team:
Corporate/M&A: Celina Zaim (associate, Dusseldorf), Nadine Uhrner (associate, Frankfurt)
Employment: Dr. Sebastian Pfrang (associate, Frankfurt)
IT: Dr. Michaela Nebel (partner, Frankfurt), Dr. Tobias Born (associate, Frankfurt), Susanna Milne (associate, Berlin)
IP: Dr. Rembert Niebel (partner, Frankfurt), Lena Weber (associate, Frankfurt)
Pharma: Dr. Christian Lebrecht (associate, Frankfurt), Dr. Dorothea Radtke (associate, Frankfurt),
Commercial & Trade: Dr. Johannes Teichmann (partner, Frankfurt), Rebecca Romig (associate, Frankfurt)
Tax: Thomas Gierath (partner, Munich)
Public Law: Dr. Katharina Weiner (counsel, Dusseldorf)