Kemin buys leading US antimicrobial technology player

07-May-2021 - Last updated on 07-May-2021 at 14:54 GMT

Kemin has acquired Oklahoma-based Bio-Cide International Inc (Bio-Cide), a producer of disinfection and chlorine dioxide-based antimicrobial technology targeted at an array of markets.

The acquisition adds several new technologies to the existing Kemin portfolio including:

OXINE and PRO-OXINE: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions for processing, equipment, water and animal health applications.
KEEPER and KEEPER PROFESSIONAL: Antimicrobial agents used to eliminate pathogens, extend shelf-life, and improve the quality of red meat, seafood, poultry and post-harvest fruit and vegetable products.
PURITE: A preservative formulated for use in prescription and over-the-counter eye care products.

Due to the nature of the purchase agreement and various legal obligations, Kemin said it is not in a position to disclose financial information about the deal at this time.

Feed quality and safety

Tom Verleyen, global platform director, liquiSMART and nutrition, Kemin animal nutrition and health division, explained the rationale behind the US company’s decision to buy Bio-Cide:

“In recent years, Kemin has aligned our portfolio of products into key categories, including intestinal health and liquid solutions that deliver feed quality and safety, among others. Each of these categories addresses very specific needs of our customer base and are target areas to drive long-term company growth over the next 10-15 years. We are growing these categories through both in-house R&D and acquisitions of proven and promising technologies. In this case, the acquisition of Bio-Cide International helps to expand our liquid antimicrobial solution offerings.”

When asked in what way do Bio-Cide's product offerings align with Kemin's animal nutrition and health business, and whether they can be used to enhance US feed mill security, he told us:

“In terms of the Bio-Cide portfolio of products, OXINE and PRO-OXINE would be the key products that fit within the Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health portfolio. These are effective, fast-acting, broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions that can be used directly in water for animal health applications, and also have processing and equipment (surface disinfection) applications and may be used in a variety of environments – including feed mills. The Bio-Cide and Kemin teams also have shared expertise in product application, and we look forward to applying our synergies in this area moving forward.”

The Kemin animal nutrition and health business, he continued, has a long-standing focus on pathogen control and feed biosecurity. “Products like our flagship Sal CURB – a liquid antimicrobial – [is designed to maintain] the Salmonella-negative status of complete feeds and feed ingredients for up to 21 days as well as control mold in feeds or feed ingredients.”