Investec advised InVivo, one of Europe’s leading agricultural groups, on the sale of Solyve to the Canadian group Lallemand

About the deal

Founded in 1989 and based in Normandy, Solyve specialises in the production of enzymes and sourdough for the food industry. Solyve’s value proposition lies in being the only European player mastering solid-state fermentation (SSF) technology, enabling the delivery of GMO-free enzymatic solutions. These solutions help customers optimise industrial processes, enhance product quality, and meet growing sustainability requirements.
 
As part of its strategic refocus on core activities, InVivo has appointed Investec Advisory to organise the carve-out of this business. Following a competitive process, Lallemand, a Canadian family-owned group with a global presence, specialised in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria, fungi), was selected for its solid development plan for the company and its employees
 
The acquirer aims to strengthen Solyve’s unique position as a European leader in non-GMO enzymes production using SSF technology, building on the company’s long-standing expertise. Thanks to Lallemand’s global commercial network, Solyve will also gain direct access to new international markets.
 
For InVivo, the completion of this project would accelerate the implementation of its strategic plan, centred on strengthening its focus on field crops, particularly wheat and barley.

Our role

Investec assisted InVivo and Solyve’s management team all along the disposal process, including:

• Structuring the transaction,
• Marketing materials,
• Defining deal tactics,
• Drafting the equity story,
• Anticipation of key carve-out issues,
• Discussing with potential international buyers,
• Coordinating the due diligence process,
• Negotiating the offers.

About InVivo Group

The InVivo group is one of Europe’s leading agricultural groups, with a turnover of €11.7 billion, and a workforce of more than 14,500 employees. Established in 36 countries, it has more than 92 industrial sites, including 65 in France. This key figure in food sovereignty operates along the entire value chain, from farm to fork, as a leader in each of its four major strategic business lines: international grain trade, agriculture, agri-food (Malting, Milling/ingredients/bakery, wine), gardening and food distribution.

About Lallemand

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company specialising in the development, production, and marketing of microorganisms and their derivatives. It provides microbiological solutions for dozens of different sectors, with the aim of reproducing, mastering, and optimising natural fermentation processes. Lallemand is present in more than 50 countries, operates more than 50 production plants and has circa 5,500 employees.