Nutreco announced today an agreement with The Heritage Group to acquire its business Micronutrients, a global leader in hydroxy-based trace minerals. Nutreco said the acquisition enables its animal nutrition business Trouw Nutrition to further strengthen the Selko Feed Additives portfolio.

“Our strategy is to address global trends in the animal protein value chain by providing our customers innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions that require advanced technical and application know-how. Micronutrients’ product portfolio fits this strategy,” said Knut Nesse, chief executive officer of Nutreco. “In combination with our existing product range and R&D capabilities, the acquisition of Micronutrients makes our animal nutrition business Trouw Nutrition a leader in a specific feed additive segment. Furthermore, Micronutrients’ products will support our global premix value proposition.”

Micronutrients is market leader for hydroxy trace minerals, which are marketed under the global brand name IntelliBond. Hydroxy trace minerals are specialty trace minerals that due to their unique chemical structure improve stability of premix and feed and bioavailability (better digestion) in the animal compared to inorganic trace minerals. Higher bioavailability under specific conditions leads to increased animal performance as well as environmental benefits.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, was expected to close in the first quarter of next year.