Novozymes and Chr. Hansen Join Forces

The merger process between two major Danish companies, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, aimed at creating a leading global biosolutions partner, has been successfully completed. From the synergies of the two companies, Novonesis was born as a global biosolutions leader. The company, which brings together more than 10,000 specialist employees worldwide, gained access to expertise across more than 30 different industries through the merger. The Novonesis group will operate approximately 40 research and development and application centers globally, along with more than 20 production facilities. Novonesis CEO and President Ester Baiget, noting that the company represents a new beginning based on the power of biotechnology, combining over 100 years of innovation focus and expertise from both companies with sustainability leadership, made the following remarks regarding the merger: "The merger process between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen has been successfully completed, and today we come together as a leading global biosolutions partner. Novonesis combines our joint strength and the wonders of biology. We will lead a new era of biosolutions. We will continue to develop innovative and transformative biosolutions that improve the way we produce, consume and live. Together with our 10,000 colleagues, we will unlock the unlimited potential of biosolutions."

Novonesis Board Chairman Cees de Jong made the following comments:

"I am pleased to see the realization of the merger between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen; we are creating a true global biosolutions leader. Building on our over 100 years of innovation and application expertise, we will continue to create innovative biosolutions for our customers and partners. Together, we will serve our customers as a growth and solutions partner; create value for our shareholders; and be a company with significant, positive impact on society and the planet. Novonesis draws strength from a shared legacy rooted in sustainability leadership and will continue to lead on this path." The merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen will create a leading global biosolutions partner offering a broad portfolio. The new company will have annual revenues of approximately EUR 3.7 billion with strong profitability and cash generation. Half of the portfolio will focus on enabling healthier lives and producing better foods. The other half will focus on reducing chemical use and driving climate-friendly applications.