Stratum Nutrition, St. Louis, MO, has acquired a significant interest in ESM Technologies, LLC, Carthage, MO. ESM now becomes a joint venture between its previous owners and Stratum’s parent, Novus International. Current management will continue to run ESM. Previously, Stratum Nutrition and ESM had been working together under a strategic alliance termed a “Technology Partnership.” The companies will continue to work collaboratively to advance the science behind ESM’s ingredients.