Lallemand Inc., a Canadian-based producer of yeast, bacteria, fungi, and enzyme solutions, is in exclusive talks to acquire AIT Ingredients and Solyve, two subsidiaries of the French milling group Moulins Soufflet, itself part of the larger agricultural cooperative Groupe InVivo.
“These proposed acquisitions will reinforce our presence and increase our global footprint and production capacity”
Founded in Canada, Lallemand operates over 50 manufacturing facilities worldwide and employs approximately 5,500 people. Its portfolio serves a broad set of industries including baking, human and animal nutrition, biofuels, distilled spirits, crop protection, oenology, and brewing.
Lallemand’s CEO Antoine Chagnon noted the geographical and sectoral expansion the acquisition would bring: “With the presence of AIT Ingredients in France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, APAC and Africa, and Solyve in France, these proposed acquisitions will reinforce our presence and increase our global footprint and production capacity and better enable us to meet the requirements of our existing and new customers across the baking, flour milling, oenology and other beverages sectors.”
AIT Ingredients supplies a range of baking-related products including technical improvers, enzyme correctors, and sourdough starters, serving markets that span bakery, flour milling, and pasta production. The company operates in multiple regions such as France, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific zone.
Solyve specializes in producing enzymes that are GMO-free and organic-certified, used in sectors like winemaking, fruit juice processing, plant-based beverage production, and baking. It also manufactures sourdough starters specifically for the bakery sector.
GMO-free enzymes for multiple sectors
From the seller’s perspective, Thierry Blandinières, CEO of Groupe InVivo, noted that Lallemand’s expertise in microorganism research aligns well with the technical capabilities needed to manage and grow AIT Ingredients and Solyve.
He further explained that the divestment fits with InVivo’s strategic shift towards focusing on field crops such as wheat and barley, enabling the development of more structured and sustainable supply chains. Groupe InVivo itself is one of Europe’s largest agricultural groups, operating in 36 countries with revenues of €11.7 billion and a workforce exceeding 14,500.
The transaction remains subject to customary approvals, including consultations with employee works councils and regulatory clearances. Closing is anticipated in the summer of 2025.
