Berlin-based Organobalance specializes in developing natural microbial solutions for customers and partners across a number of industries. They explore the vast potential of microorganisms for the development of highly innovative and natural compounds and products for the fields of food, feed, personal care, agriculture, the chemical and the pharmaceutical industry.

Now, the company with a staff of 29  has been bought up by Danish industrial enzymes and microorganism expert Novozymes for an undisclosed amount.

“The experience of Organobalance’s founding scientists, and the company’s know-how, immediately strengthen Novozymes’ existing capabilities within microbial technologies,” says Sebastian Søderberg, Vice President for New Business Development, Incubation & Acquisitions at Novozymes. “Organobalance will advance our understanding to develop new, sustainable solutions across industries, and provide us with additional commercial opportunities.”

Based in Berlin and Flensburg, the company was founded in 2001 by Christine Lang, who will continue as General Manager. Lang commented: “By becoming part of Novozymes, we will have access to a global R&D network and an extensive infrastructure to bring products to market – a clear advantage for us and our customers."

Following the acquisition, Organobalance will be integrated into Novozymes’ global organization but will continue to be based in Germany so as to benefit from the established biotechnology capabilities of the country’s capital region and the company’s strong ties to German academia, innovation environments, and markets.

“Organobalance and Novozymes possess similar ambitions and company cultures,” says Sebastian Søderberg. “Both companies strongly believe that innovative biological solutions can make a real, positive difference in the world and help tackle many of modern society’s biggest challenges. Together, our solutions fundamentally allow customers to produce more from less, reduce environmental impact, improve health and replace chemicals.”