Chr. Hansen acquires UAS Laboratories LLC to extend the microbial platform and strengthen probiotic production flexibility

Chr. Hansen Holding A/S has entered into an agreement with the owners of UAS Laboratories LLC (“UAS Labs”) to acquire 100% of the Wisconsin based B2B company specializing in clinically documented probiotics. The acquisition of UAS Labs will further strengthen and expand Chr. Hansen’s global microbial platform and Human Health business, and is aligned with the strategy of pursuing bolt-on acquisitions that fit into the microbial platform.

UAS Labs is being acquired from the private equity fund Lakeview Equity Partners, management team and other shareholders at a transaction value, net of tax assets, of USD 530 million. UAS Labs has 230 employees and is expected to generate revenues of around USD 85 million and EBITDA above USD 30 million before synergies in 2020.

Closing of the transaction is pending customary regulatory review in the United States.

Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr. Hansen, said: “We are excited about the acquisition of UAS Labs and look forward to welcoming all its talented people, to join forces in our shared purpose – to develop and expand the global probiotics market, and we look forward to building upon the strengths of both companies. The two UAS Labs production facilities in the United States will increase our flexibility and capacity to produce, and also create a better balance in our geographical footprint. We believe that the UAS Labs acquisition will accelerate our efforts to grow our Health & Nutrition business globally, especially in the Asian markets.”

Kent Velde, President of Lakeview Equity Partners, said: “The leadership and strategic vision of UAS Labs’ executive team, who we originally partnered with in this investment, took UAS Labs to a new level within the global probiotics industry. We are thrilled to have partnered with them. The company is well positioned for continued growth and success within Chr. Hansen’s business platform.”

Kevin Mehring, CEO of UAS Labs, said: “Over the past seven years I have been honored to lead the team at UAS Labs with our science-backed probiotic solutions. We have grown and matured in our strain to solution manufacturing capabilities and commitment to clinical research. I could not be more proud of all the dedicated individuals that have worked tirelessly to get us to this point. We are very excited to join Chr. Hansen, and by our shared vision and future.”

Financial implications and outlook
The acquisition is fully aligned with Chr. Hansen’s capital allocation principles, and does not impact the ability to pay out an ordinary dividend of 40-60% of net profit. The purchase price will be financed from a low-interest bridge facility provided by core banks.

Closing of the transaction is pending regulatory review in the United States, and is expected within 1-3 months. Full-year outlook for organic growth and free cash flow before acquisitions and special items are unchanged. Depending on the timing of the closing, there will be a minor negative impact on the outlook for 2019/20 EBIT margin before special items, but the guidance of around 29.5% is maintained. In 2020/21, there will be a negative impact on group EBIT before special items of around 1%-point (preliminary estimate) due to depreciations of the acquired tangible and intangible assets. The acquisition is expected to have a minor EBITDA accretion already from 2020/21, and to be EBIT neutral to slightly accretive by 2024/25.