DENMARK – The Danish biosciences company, Chr. Hansen has entered into an agreement to acquire Austria-based B2B company specializing in probiotics for women’s health, HSO Health Care GmbH.

The companies did not disclose the details of the transaction. However, Chr. Hansen said that the acquisition will be financed from existing available cash and bank facilities adding that it has no impact on its the 2019/20 outlook. The transaction is expected to close later this week.

Chr Hansen also expects HSO’s 2020 revenues to hit approximately EUR15 million, with an EBITDA margin above 40% and a strong double-digit organic growth from 2020-2025.

Chr. Hansen noted that the acquisition will cement its long-term commitment to its probiotics business, and the fast-growing category for women’s health, where scientifically proven probiotic solutions are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Women’s health is one of the fastest growing probiotic segments, with an estimated market CAGR of more than 15% since 2015, which the company said HSO has outperformed substantially.

The biosciences company added that this acquisition is aligned with the strategy of pursuing bolt-on acquisitions that fit into the microbial platform by adding HSO’s branded portfolio Astarte, a global award-winning line of patented probiotic products for women’s health.

HSO’s Astarte portfolio will join Chr. Hansen’s UREX products, creating a portfolio that can be leveraged globally and expanded into new adjacencies within women’s health, according to the Danish firm.

Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr. Hansen, commented: “I am excited that we have reached an agreement with HSO Health Care, which has demonstrated very fast growth through a globally recognized portfolio that complements our own UREX products nicely.

“Women’s health is a high-growth segment where innovation is becoming increasingly important, and with the addition of the Astarte™ portfolio we will be able to deliver innovation to a much larger market more quickly.”

Helmut Essl, CEO of HSO Health Care GmbH, added: “HSO Health Care has been working from a mindset of scientifically documented, natural products since our inception.

“We are delighted that with the addition of the Astarte™ products to Chr. Hansen, we can make an even greater impact on a global scale. I am very excited that Chr. Hansen will now bring Astarte™ to the next level.”

Urogenital discomfort is a concern for women all over the world who are increasingly looking for intimate care products based on natural ingredients. This has driven the category for women’s health to be among the fastest-growing in the probiotics market.

“Chr. Hansen is committed to keep unleashing the Power of Good Bacteria, and I am proud that we will now strengthen our offering of probiotic concepts for women that can help to enable a balanced female microbiota, ultimately contributing to their well-being and quality of life.” Mauricio Graber concludes.