Novus Acquires IQF Group

Novus International, Inc. has announced that it has acquired the IQF Group, including Carotenoid Technologies SA and Investigaciones Químicas y Farmacéuticas SA, based in Tarragona in Spain and IQF-ENAMEX SA de C.v. based Córdoba in Mexico. IQF is a world leader in natural feed and food carotenoid pigments, essential oils, anti-caking agents and mould inhibitors. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

IQF was established in 1970 and has a customer base extending across more than 60 countries. The acquisition of IQF enables Novus to expand its product and food ingredient offerings for new and existing animal agriculture customers in Europe and around the world.

IQF's natural feed additives can be mixed with feed to enhance meat and egg nutrition and colour. Feed carotenoid pigments from the acquisition, with their natural antioxidant properties, align with Novus's feed preservative and dietary antioxidant product families. IQF is currently active with these product lines in the poultry, ruminant, pork and aquaculture markets. Key IQF brands include Xamacol, Astacol, Lutecol, Betacol, Canthacol, Toxiban, Micokap and NextEnhance.

Thad Simons, President and Chief Executive Officer of Novus International, Inc., commented: "Incorporating these new technologies into our existing product base will enable Novus to better serve our customers worldwide. This acquisition is consistent with Novus's commitment to continuously identify new approaches to improve the health of animals through optimised nutrition and to enhance the business operations of our customers."

This is the second acquisition Novus has made in recent months. In December 2009, Novus announced the acquisition of the Animal Nutrition Division of Albion Laboratories, Inc., expanding Novus's existing chelated trace mineral offering, particularly to the beef and dairy industries.

Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales for Novus International, Inc., said: "We are very excited about this acquisition as it will take Novus into a world leadership position in natural pigments as well as in new geographical segments which will benefit our customers and our industry. These products are very high quality and they are a natural, complementary extension of our existing product portfolio."

"The IQF Group has enjoyed an excellent partnership with Novus since 2001 and this acquisition is a logical and strategic next step," stated a spokesperson for the IQF Group. "We are confident that the complementary aspects of IOF and Novus cultures and products will build upon the success of our 40 year legacy."

Novus's current products include amino acids, chelated trace minerals, feed preservatives and other nutrition and health products for the poultry, aquaculture, pork, dairy, beef, companion animal and human markets. Key areas of focus include animal health and nutrition, improvement of livestock performance, feed quality, food safety and sustainable agriculture practices.