BASF Strengthens Its Enzyme Technology Footprint

16 May 2013 --- With three separate transactions, BASF has strengthened its technology footprint in industrial enzymes, one of BASF’s identified growth fields: BASF has completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology.

Additionally, BASF has entered into a research and license agreement with the global biotechnology company Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, Florida, which provides access to a new production host technology. Furthermore, BASF has signed a R&D collaboration agreement with Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Cologne, Germany, to develop a highly efficient feed enzyme for animal nutrition. All transactions will provide BASF with know-how in strategic industries including animal and human nutrition, detergents and cleaners.

“The acquired technologies are a pre-requisite to develop and further strengthen our enzyme technology platform for attractive global market segments. We will use the acquired know-how and technology for the efficient development of future innovative customer solutions,” said Michael Heinz, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.

In order to complement its position as a comprehensive supplier of differentiating ingredients to the detergents and cleaning industry, BASF completed the acquisition of Henkel’s detergents enzyme technology, comprising production hosts, various detergent enzymes, as well as corresponding intellectual property. Under the agreement, Henkel retains the right to use the technology for captive demand including back-licensing provisions. Enzymes are key performance ingredients in modern detergent formulations. Expanding into enzyme technology will increase BASF’s position as an innovation leader in the home care and industrial & institutional cleaning industry.

In addition, BASF and Dyadic International, Inc., announced that the two companies have entered into a non-exclusive worldwide research and license agreement for Dyadic’s C1 production host technology. Under the terms of the license agreement BASF will be able to use Dyadic’s patented and proprietary C1 technology for gene discovery, expression and the production of enzymes and other proteins. BASF will fund research and development at Dyadic’s research labs.

Moreover, BASF and Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH are broadening their collaboration on enzymes for animal nutrition. Direvo, an expert in enzyme development and optimization, and BASF will jointly develop a highly efficient protease for pig and poultry. Proteases are increasingly used in animal nutrition to improve the digestibility of soy. This new product will help animals to make better use of the nutrients in their diet and support their well-being. The protease will complement BASF’s feed enzyme portfolio and is a further step for BASF to extend its position as a leader in animal nutrition.

Growth fields of BASF
In its “We create chemistry” strategy, BASF has identified growth and technology fields which address new areas of activity for BASF. At the core are areas driven mainly by world population growth: resources, environment and climate; food and nutrition and quality of life.

On this basis, BASF sees innovation and growth potential in several customer industries. Enzymes are enablers for the development of future sustainable innovative solutions in a variety of applications particularly in consumer-driven industries.