Synthetic biotechnology company active in the clean health and beauty markets, Amyris, has signed an agreement with Ingredion Incorporated, for the exclusive licensing of Amyris’s zero-calorie, nature-based, fermented Reb M sweetener.
In addition, the agreement includes an Ingredion minority ownership stake in the Amyris Brazilian manufacturing facility that is currently under construction.
Ingredion, via its PureCircle subsidiary, will become the exclusive global business-to-business commercialization partner for Amyris’s sugar reduction technology that includes fermented Reb M.
The parties will enter into an R&D collaboration agreement to create and advance the development of sustainably sourced, zero-calorie, nature-based sweeteners and potentially other types of fermentation-based food ingredients.
Ingredion will become a minority partner in the Amyris Brazilian manufacturing facility that is currently under construction.
Amyris will continue to own and market its Purecane consumer brand offering of tabletop and culinary sweetener products.
The transaction value is estimated to be US$100 million.
This includes US$75 million for the exclusive license to sell and market Reb M from fermentation plus a contribution for a participation in the Brazil manufacturing joint venture.
Additionally, Amyris will earn a profit share from Reb M sales.
The parties expect to close the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, in the second quarter.
