Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH was acquired by enzyme, probiotic, culture, and natural color specialist Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, a company based in Hoersholm, Denmark, to form a partnership aimed at producing ingredients containing human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Chr. Hansen agreed to acquire all shares in Jennewein Biotechnologie, and plans to invest more than 200 million Euros in production assets over the next five years to meet the increasing demand for HMOs.
 
HMOs are complex carbohydrate structures found in human breast milk, and have been formulated into functional food ingredients primarily in infant nutrition and medical nutrition. HMOs are believed to function as a prebiotic with benefits including immune support and cognitive development, which are expected by the companies to be of high consumer interest in the years ahead. Jennewein Biotechnologie reports that it is the first company to produce HMOs commercially by fermentation, and offer them as functional carbohydrates, beyond the traditional market of infant formulas.
 
Jennewein Biotechnologie has been granted more than 200 patents, a global customer base, and a product portfolio over the past 15 years.
 
“This partnership will further strengthen the position of Jennewein Biotechnologie in this highly attractive growth market. Crh. Hansen and Jennewein biotechnologie are a perfect fit with regards to culture, production technology, as well as product portfolio,” Dr. Stefan jennewein and Dr. Klaus Jennewin, the founding CEOs of the eponymous company, said.
 
“I am truly excited that we have reached an agreement to acquire Jennewein. The fast-growing HMO market is a new area that we have been following with strong interest for some years. In truth we are making a long-term investment and commitment to HMOs, which I am convinced will bring long-term value creation to our shareholders. HMOs also fit perfectly with our purpose to grow a better world naturally, as these are some of natures’ most intricate nutritional components,” Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr. Hansen, said.
 
Dr. Stefan Jennewein will stay with the company in the role of chief science and technology advisor, and Dr. Klaus Jennewein will retire from the company.