Sofiprotéol and Fermentalg set up a joint company to produce omega-3 rich oils through the cultivation of micro-algae.

Sofiprotéol & Fermentalg set up a joint company to industrialise, produce and market oils from micro-algae that are rich in oils from the omega-3 family, EPA and DHA. These oils, obtained using Fermentalg technologies, are reputed for their nutritional qualities and are mainly destined for the food market.

Fermentalg, an industrial biotechnology company specialised in the production of chemical compounds by micro-algae under heterotrophic conditions, will assure the development of its patented process until the early scale-up phases of its technology.

Sofiprotéol, the industrial and financial arm of the French plant oils and proteins sector, will be funding industrialisation of this project and is the majority shareholder in the joint company, contributing its industrial and commercial skills and its nutritional expertise in vegetable oils.
Philippe Tillous-Borde, Director General of Sofiprotéol explained "micro-algae are part of our innovation strategy aimed at strengthening our positions in all our markets: food, animal feed, renewable chemicals and energy.  The partnership with Fermentalg is promising because of the know-how that has been developed by this French start-up". 
Pierre Calleja, PhD, CEO and founder of Fermentalg stated: "This is a decisive step for Fermentalg. We have always been convinced that our strategy and technological innovations would allow us rapidly to offer solutions for the sustainable growth of the chemicals industry, while at the same time preserving the environment.  In addition to its financial benefits, this agreement will allow us to work together and share resources to enter the industrialisation phase of our operation."
Bernard Maitre, President of the Emertec investment fund, added: "The signature of a joint venture just two years after this company was set up is proof of its ability to create value, not only in the market but also for its shareholders."

About Sofiprotéol:
Set up in 1983 by representatives from the farming world, Sofiprotéol's mission is to develop markets and valorise French oilseed (rapeseed, sunflower) and plant protein (field pea) production. In 2010, Sofiprotéol achieved sales worth €5.6 billion, and it currently employs 6400 people.   At an industrial level, Sofiprotéol has five complementary activities: seed crushing and oil refining (Saipol); the refining and packaging of edible oils (Lesieur); the production of biodiesel (Diester Industrie and Diester Industrie International); renewable chemistry (Oleon and Novance); animal nutrition and the slaughter and processing of pork, poultry and eggs (Glon Sanders).  At a financial level, through loans and shareholdings, Sofiprotéol provides support for companies in the oilseed and protein sector, and generally throughout the agri-food industry.

About Fermentalg:
Set up in 2009 by Pierre Calleja, Fermentalg is an industrial biotechnology company specialised in the bioproduction of chemical compounds by micro-algae under heterotrophic conditions.  This proprietary technology, combined with the wealth of its strain bank, allows it to target a broad variety of markets, ranging from high added value compounds to commodity chemicals and the production of biofuels.  The technologies thus developed can also be applied in the aquaculture and animal feed markets.  This company is backed by leading investment funds such as Emertec, Demeter Partners or CEA.

Contacts

Sofiprotéol    
Catherine BOZON
Press Relations Officer
Tel.: +33 (0)1 77 45 70 74  
Email: c.bozon@prolea.com


Fermentalg    
Paul MICHALET
Director of Finance & Business
Email: pmichalet@fermentalg.com