Novonesis Builds on Decade-Long MicroBioGen Partnership With Acquisition Agreement

Novonesis Builds on Decade-Long MicroBioGen Partnership With Acquisition Agreement

(IN BRIEF) Novonesis has signed an agreement with the intent to acquire MicroBioGen, an Australian biotechnology company specialising in yeast strains for industrial applications, particularly bioethanol. The planned acquisition builds on Novonesis’ 2013 investment in MicroBioGen and its current 23 percent stake, strengthening a collaboration that has lasted more than a decade. Novonesis said the transaction supports its 2030 strategy by enhancing its yeast capabilities, R&D strength and biosolutions offering. The transaction terms will not be disclosed, and completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including approval by the ACCC in Australia.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 10-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Novonesis has signed an agreement with the intent to acquire MicroBioGen, an Australian biotechnology company recognised for its scientific expertise in yeast strains for industrial applications, particularly in bioethanol.

The planned acquisition builds on Novonesis’ original investment in MicroBioGen in 2013 and its current 23 percent stake in the company.

The transaction is intended to further strengthen a collaboration that has developed over more than a decade in advanced yeast solutions for bioethanol production.

Novonesis said the acquisition supports its 2030 strategy and reinforces the company’s capabilities in yeast biotechnology, research and development, and industrial biosolutions.

Ester Baiget, CEO of Novonesis, said the acquisition marks an additional step in the company’s 2030 strategy.

She said the transaction strengthens Novonesis’ yeast capabilities and R&D capabilities, while reflecting the company’s disciplined investment focus to support growth.

As a pure-play biology company, Novonesis combines scientific expertise in microbiology and industrial fermentation with a strong commitment to innovation.

The company invests approximately 10 percent of annual sales in innovation.

Novonesis said the acquisition of MicroBioGen builds on this foundation and strengthens its core expertise in biological solutions.

Claus Crone Fuglsang, Chief Scientific Officer at Novonesis, said MicroBioGen is a strong strategic fit, building on more than ten years of close collaboration between the companies.

He said Novonesis looks forward to integrating MicroBioGen’s technology and continuing to develop the biosolutions customers need.

As part of the agreement, Novonesis will continue to support MicroBioGen’s existing partners and maintain continuity in its collaborations.

Geoffrey Bell, CEO and Co-founder of MicroBioGen, said joining Novonesis is a strong fit for MicroBioGen and its employees.

He said that, after more than a decade of close collaboration, MicroBioGen could not think of a better home for the company.

The financial terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

Completion remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, known as the ACCC, Australia’s national competition, consumer, fair trading and product safety regulator.

MicroBioGen is an Australian biotechnology company focused on improving the industrial capabilities of yeast.

The company has developed a platform technology and library of elite yeast genetics over more than 20 years.

Through its “Yeast Innovation as a Service” model, MicroBioGen works with global industry leaders to improve yeast performance across industrial applications.

The company’s collaboration with Novonesis in bioethanol includes co-development of the Innova® yeast series, which is designed to deliver strong industrial performance.

MicroBioGen also sees opportunities for yeast biotechnology across existing and emerging industries, including baking, sustainable feed, energy and food applications.

Through the planned acquisition, Novonesis aims to deepen its yeast biotechnology platform, strengthen its R&D capabilities and expand the biological solutions it can offer to customers across industrial fermentation and related markets.

About MicroBioGen

MicroBioGen is an Australian based biotechnology company with global success in improving the industrial capabilities of yeast. With a platform technology and library of elite yeast genetics, developed over 20 years, MicroBioGen delivers ‘Yeast Innovation as a Service’ to industry leaders globally. Demonstrated through MicroBioGen’s bioethanol partnership with Novonesis and co-developing the Innova® yeast series which delivers exceptional industrial performance, MicroBioGen is a leading collaborator for yeast biotechnology, with opportunities in existing and emerging industries, ranging from optimising yeast for baking, sustainable feed and energy to food applications.

For more information, visit www.microbiogen.com

Media Contact:

Benjamin Hjorth
Senior Press Manager
media-relations@novonesis.com
+45 30 77 13 12

SOURCE: Novonesis