SHS sells leading enzyme engineering company c-LEcta GmbH to Kerry Group

• c-LEcta was able to translate technology leadership into tremendous commercial growth during the holding period of SHS

• Leipzig-based c-LEcta’s clients include international corporations in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.

• With the acquisition, Kerry Group intends to further expand the internationalization of the company in the field of enzymes

The Tübingen-based growth investor SHS announces the sale of its stake in the technology leader in enzyme engineering, c-LEcta GmbH. The Irish Kerry Group, a leading global taste and nutrition partner for food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets, acquires the Leipzig-based company.

Today, c-LEcta is a leading innovator and supplier of biotech products for regulated markets such as food and pharmaceuticals. With over one hundred employees and world-class technologies for novel and cost-efficient industrial manufacturing processes, c-LEcta is one of the fastest growing companies in the market. Together with the strategic buyer, c-LEcta aims to further expand its range of bio-actives for food and pharmaceutical markets. SHS has invested in c-LEcta as a lead investor and has successfully driven the development of its products to market maturity and the international expansion of the company.

"SHS has been instrumental in supporting us with capital and strategic input on our journey to become a leading enzyme product provider. With the new partner Kerry Group, we want to take another growth step in our company’s history and are looking forward to the cooperation," says c-LEcta CEO Marc Struhalla.

"We are pleased to have contributed to the tremendous growth of the company. Today, c-LEcta is an internationally important supplier for the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. We look back with pleasure on the journey we have taken together and wish the entire team continued success on their chosen path of growth," comments SHS Managing Partner Uwe Steinbacher.

SHS has invested in c-LEcta from the third generation of SHS funds accompanied by a SHS co-investment fund refinanced by KfW.

About c-LEcta

c-LEcta is a leading biotechnology company located in Leipzig, Germany. The company has established itself as a leading player in the realisation of high-value biotechnology products for regulated markets, either as in-house development or in close cooperation with the industry. c-LEcta innovation capability delivers cost-efficient and sustainable production processes, creating growth opportunities across existing and new markets.