Corporate | 3 November 2016 17:45

Evonik Industries AG: Evonik submits bid for METEX methionine technology platform

DGAP-News: Evonik Industries AG / Key word(s): Mergers & Acquisitions

2016-11-03 / 17:45
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Evonik submits bid for METEX methionine technology platform

– Evonik to strengthen its biotechnology platform

– Binding bid for METEX fermentation methionine technology

– Both parties agreed to exclusivity and aim for a timely conclusion of the agreement

Essen, Germany. Amino acids produced by fermentation are an important pillar of Evonik’s product portfolio for sustainable animal nutrition. The production processes for Biolys(R) (lysine), ThreAMINO(R) (threonine) and TrypAMINO(R) (tryptophane) have been made continuously more efficient over the past years and the portfolio was just recently enlarged by launching ValAMINO(R) (valine). In order to strengthen its biotechnology platform Evonik intends the acquisition of a large technology package from the French company METabolic EXplorer (METEX) and has submitted a binding offer on October 27 ^th . The bid is subject to approval by Evonik committees.

METEX, which is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand (France), has succeeded in developing a fermentation process for manufacturing methionine. The binding Evonik offer includes the takeover of METEX’s entire methionine technology as well as patents, essential bacteria strains, and the inoLa ^TM brand. These are to be transferred to Evonik after closing.

The transaction also includes a license agreement for the continued use of base technology by METEX. The companies also intend to explore the possibility of a research cooperation on the technological development of biotechnologically produced amino acids.

The companies are planning a timely conclusion of the agreement and have agreed to exclusivity and not to disclose any information on the next steps until the agreement has been signed.

Founded in 1999 the biotechnology company METabolic EXplorer specializes in the development of biotechnology production processes for bio-based substances that are used in a wide variety of daily everyday products such as textile fibers and feed additives.

Company information
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2015 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around EUR13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about EUR2.47 billion.

About Nutrition & Care
The Nutrition & Care segment is led by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH and contributes to fulfilling basic human needs. That includes applications for everyday consumer goods as well as animal nutrition and health care. This segment employed about 7,000 employees, and generated sales of around
EUR4.9 billion in 2015.

Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this Investor Relations News or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.

Contact:
Tim Lange
Head of Investor Relations
Phone +49 201 177-3150
tim.lange@evonik.com

Evonik Industries AG
Rellinghauser Straße 1-11
45128 Essen
Germany
Phone +49 201 177-01
Fax +49 201 177-3475
www.evonik.com

Supervisory Board
Dr. Werner Müller, Chairman
Executive Board
Dr. Klaus Engel, Chairman
Christian Kullmann, Deputy Chairman
Dr. Ralph Sven Kaufmann
Thomas Wessel
Ute Wolf

Registered Office is Essen
Register Court Essen Local Court
Commercial Registry B 19474

2016-11-03 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Language:	English
Company:	Evonik Industries AG
	Rellinghauser Straße 1-11
	45128 Essen
	Germany
Phone:	+49 (0) 201 177-01
Fax:	+49 (0) 201 177-3475
E-mail:	investor-relations@evonik.com
Internet:	www.evonik.com
ISIN:	DE000EVNK013, XS0911405784
WKN:	EVNK01, A1TM7T
Indices:	MDAX
Listed:	Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange; Luxemburg

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