Lallemand acquires BIO-CAT to expand enzyme and microbial solutions portfolio

CANADA – Lallemand Inc. has completed the acquisition of BIO-CAT Enzymes & Microbials, strengthening its capabilities in enzyme and microbial technologies while expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States to better serve the animal nutrition, agriculture, food and health ingredient markets.

The transaction, completed on July 31, 2026, combines BIO-CAT’s expertise in enzymes, microbial technologies and custom fermentation with Lallemand’s global portfolio of yeast, bacteria and fermentation-based solutions. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

According to Lallemand, the acquisition reinforces its position in the dietary supplement and health ingredient sectors while increasing production capacity to meet growing demand across multiple industries, including animal nutrition.

“The acquisition will reinforce our presence in the dietary food supplement and health ingredient markets, and increase our production footprint and capacity in the USA,” said Antoine Chagnon, Chief Executive Officer of Lallemand.

“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.”

Founded in 1988, BIO-CAT supplies enzyme and microbial-based ingredients, offering custom formulation, blending and fermentation services alongside branded ingredient portfolios serving dietary supplements, food and beverage, industrial biotechnology and animal nutrition.

“When my father, Ed Schuler, and I founded BIO-CAT in 1988, we built the company around family values, science, integrity and lasting relationships,” said Chris Schuler.

“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.”

Deal expands fermentation capabilities for animal nutrition

The acquisition reflects continued consolidation within the enzyme and microbial ingredient sector as suppliers seek to strengthen production capacity alongside research and development capabilities.

Lallemand, one of the world’s leading producers of yeast and bacterial fermentation technologies, has steadily expanded its presence in animal nutrition through probiotic, silage inoculant and microbial feed additive solutions. 

Integrating BIO-CAT’s enzyme expertise is expected to broaden its technology platform while supporting the development of next-generation nutritional products.

Industry observers note that demand for enzyme- and probiotic-based feed ingredients continues to grow as livestock producers seek alternatives that improve nutrient utilisation, gut health and production efficiency while reducing reliance on conventional feed additives.

The acquisition also enhances Lallemand’s manufacturing capacity in the United States, providing additional flexibility to meet increasing customer demand and strengthen supply chain resilience.

For existing BIO-CAT customers, the companies indicated that product portfolios and customer relationships will continue under the integration process, although no timeline has been announced regarding potential operational consolidation or branding changes.

The acquisition follows Lallemand’s strategy of expanding its fermentation technologies through targeted investments that complement its existing expertise in microbial solutions for agriculture, animal nutrition and food production. 

By combining BIO-CAT’s enzyme technologies with its own fermentation platform, the company aims to accelerate innovation while delivering integrated solutions to customers across global feed, food and health markets.

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