Maypro Group Receives Investment From Marubeni America

31/10/06 Maypro Group, a leading global supplier of nutraceutical ingredients, announced that it received a minority investment from Marubeni America Corporation, the U.S. subsidiary of one of the five largest Japanese general trading companies with total revenues of more than US $70 billion and 124 offices worldwide.

"The participation of Marubeni in our growth initiatives represents an important development in our mission to be the leading global diversified supplier of high-quality nutraceutical ingredients," said Steve Yamada, President and CEO of Maypro. "Over the past three decades, we have significantly grown our ingredients business, developed a strong portfolio of patented, branded products and expanded our operations in the U.S., Japan and China to build a truly global platform, which we are now seeking to further expand with Marubeni’s support."

"In Maypro, we were attracted by its position in the nutraceutical industry and the superior management team assembled in major markets around the world," said Tsutomu Yamamoto, the Executive Vice- President and COO of Marubeni America Corporation. "Consumers care more about their health in this day and age. We expect this industry to continue its steady growth. Furthermore, we intend to work with Maypro in identifying mutually beneficial opportunities."

In addition to this strategic investment, Marubeni and Maypro intend to explore opportunities for joint projects in the nutraceutical and food industries where synergies between the two companies exist. The two companies seek to capitalize on the rapid growth of the $200 billion global health nutrition industry supported by favorable demographic trends, including an aging population (particularly in the U.S., Japan and Europe) and growing consumer spending on "wellness" products worldwide.