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
ENGIE Énergie Services has sold Majorelle to Isospace
Majorelle, a pioneer in space planning in France for 40 years, has been sold to Isospace by ENGIE Énergie Services. The transaction marks a new chapter in Majorelle’s growth, bringing together complementary expertise in workplace design, space planning and fit-out while preserving its brand, teams and market positioning. Together, Majorelle and Isospace generate more than US$45 million in revenue, primarily in the Île-de-France region. The companies operate in a commercial fit-out market undergoing significant transformation, driven by evolving workplace needs, real estate asset repositioning, regulatory requirements and environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Philippe Savajols, president of Isospace and Majorelle, aims to ensure continuity for Majorelle and its teams while developing complementary capabilities and synergies across the group, preserving both companies’ respective cultures, expertise and client relationships.
Learn moreKPS Food Group has joined ForFarmers Polska, a joint venture controlled by ForFarmers N.V.
ForFarmers N.V. has strengthened its position in Poland’s growing poultry market through the establishment of a joint venture with KPS Food Group, a leading poultry producer with operations spanning farming, slaughtering and food processing. ForFarmers’ existing Polish joint venture, Tasomix, and KPS’s operations have been combined to form ForFarmers Polska, which has an enterprise value of approximately US$585 million. ForFarmers holds a controlling 50.5% stake and will fully consolidate the joint venture. The founders of KPS and Tasomix remain minority shareholders.
Learn moreCibus has acquired Aweta from Standard Investment
Standard Investment has reached an agreement with Cibus Capital, advisor to the Cibus funds, on the sale of Aweta, a global leader in fruit and vegetable sorting, grading and packing equipment. Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming weeks. The transaction provides Aweta with a strong partner to support the company’s next growth phase. Under Cibus’ ownership, Aweta will pursue further international growth and accelerate investment in R&D, supporting the installed base and product innovation, including software and AI capabilities. Aweta’s leadership team will continue to lead the business.
Learn more