Lallemand Expands Enzyme and Microbial Capabilities with BIO-CAT Acquisition

Lallemand has successfully completed its acquisition of U.S.-based BIO-CAT Enzymes & Microbials, a move that enhances its capabilities in enzymes, probiotics, and microbial technologies, while also expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States.

This transaction merges two family-owned companies, combining their expertise in fermentation, enzymes, and life sciences. The acquisition is anticipated to bolster Lallemand’s position across various markets, including dietary supplements, food ingredients, animal nutrition, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

The merger significantly broadens Lallemand’s portfolio of enzyme and microbial technologies utilized in functional foods, dietary supplements, food processing, and fermentation applications. BIO-CAT has established a strong reputation over three decades for developing, manufacturing, and validating enzyme, probiotic, and microbial solutions for a diverse clientele. Lallemand, on the other hand, has built a global presence across baking, brewing, food ingredients, and health ingredients through its extensive fermentation expertise.

According to the companies, the acquisition will create a stronger platform for developing next-generation solutions across human health, food, agriculture, animal nutrition, and industrial markets by merging complementary scientific capabilities and expanding R&D resources.

“When my father, Ed Schuler, and I founded BIO-CAT in 1988, we built the company around family values, science, integrity, and lasting relationships,” says Chris Schuler, president of BIO-CAT. “Finding a partner with shared values was just as important as finding one with complementary technologies. Lallemand’s family-owned heritage, long-term vision, and commitment to its people and customers made this a natural fit, and we’re excited about what we'll accomplish together.”

Lallemand CEO Antoine Chagnon adds: “The acquisition will reinforce our presence in the dietary food supplement and health ingredient markets, and increase our production footprint and capacity in the US. This, in turn, should better enable us to meet the requirements of our existing and new customers across the global animal nutrition, agriculture, and food industries.”

This acquisition follows Lallemand's recent purchase of Solyve, a subsidiary of the InVivo group, reinforcing its commitment to advancing microbial solutions.

This strategic move reflects ongoing consolidation within the global ingredients sector, as companies aim to broaden their technology platforms, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and provide more integrated solutions to food and nutrition customers. Demand for enzyme technologies, probiotics, and other fermentation-derived ingredients continues to rise as manufacturers create products that promote digestive health, clean label processing, functional nutrition, and sustainable production.

BIO-CAT, based in Virginia, has evolved from an enzyme supplier to a developer and manufacturer of proprietary enzyme, probiotic, and microbial technologies serving a global customer base. Lallemand, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a leading producer of yeast, bacteria, and specialty ingredients with operations spanning baking, brewing, oenology, animal nutrition, plant care, biofuels, and health ingredients.

In social media posts announcing the acquisition, both companies highlighted that this transaction represents an opportunity to accelerate innovation while upholding a shared commitment to science-based product development, customer relationships, and long-term growth.