Royal Cosun UA has sold C5 Yeast Company B.V. to Royal DSM N.V.
July 2011 — Royal Cosun UA (Cosun) has sold its subsidiary, C5 Yeast Company B.V., to Royal DSM N.V. (DSM) for an undisclosed consideration.
C5 Yeast Company was part of former Royal Nedalco, Cosun’s alcohol business group which was divested in 2011. C5 Yeast Company has developed a unique yeast technology and extensive patent position in 2nd generation bio-ethanol, i.e. ethanol produced from non-edible C5 sugars. Based on its innovative know-how, yeast strains have been developed capable of efficiently fermenting C5 sugars, such as xylose and arabinose. This technology brings 2nd generation bio-ethanol closer to mass-scale production, which reduces society’s dependence on fossil feedstocks. Furthermore, it avoids the food versus fuel dilemma which is linked to 1st generation bio-ethanol, i.e. ethanol produced from C6 sugars, which are present in edible feedstock such as corn, wheat, sugarcane and sugar beets. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions.
Royal DSM N.V. is a listed global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. DSM already had a position in the development of 2nd generation biofuels. The acquisition of the C5 Yeast Company adds additional technology to DSM’s portfolio, allowing DSM to further optimize its yeast technology. DSM is convinced this will be a winning combination.
Cosun is a cooperative owned by Dutch sugar beet growers. The divestment of the C5 Yeast Company means that Cosun can focus more on its core activities centered around the processing of agricultural raw materials. Next to its traditional food business in sugar (Suiker Unie), potato specialties (Aviko), inulin (Sensus) and fruit/vegetable products (SVZ), Cosun has recently strengthened its activities in the area of bio-based products for non-food applications.
Our role in the transaction
Oaklins' team in the Netherlands advised the seller in this transaction.
Talk to the deal team
Related deals
DIGMATIX has entered the Czech market through the acquisition of LLP CRM
DIGMATIX has acquired LLP CRM, a Czech Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement specialist. The acquisition marks DIGMATIX’s entry into the Czech market and strengthens the group’s capabilities in customer relationship management (CRM), sales automation, customer service and AI-powered business solutions.
Learn moreLandmark US$85 million employee secondary share transaction for Wayve
Crowdcube, Europe’s largest equity crowdfunding and private market investment platform, has completed a US$85 million employee share sale for Wayve, the first employee liquidity transaction on the LSE’s Private Securities Market and the largest to date under the FCA’s PISCES framework. The deal is a milestone for UK capital markets, demonstrating how new market structures can unlock liquidity for employees and early shareholders in high-growth private companies.
Learn moreDIGMATIX has entered Romania through the acquisition of Elian Solutions
DIGMATIX, one of the largest providers of Microsoft Business Applications solutions in the region, has acquired Elian Solutions, a Romanian Microsoft Dynamics 365 partner, together with its subsidiary Elian Development Systems. Through the acquisition, DIGMATIX expands its operations into Romania and strengthens its position as a regional leader in the implementation and development of Microsoft Business Applications solutions. The acquisition was financed by an investment from DIGMATIX’s majority shareholder, Baltic private equity fund Livonia Partners, together with financing provided by SEB Bank.
Learn more