Kaneka Corporation is now the majority shareholder in Catalan biotechnology firm AB-Biotics (66.33%), after launching a friendly takeover last July, according to Europa Press. 

Kaneka joined the AB-Biotics shareholders in 2018 and previously held a 39.76% stake in the company. The takeover paid €5 per share, costing the Japanese group a total of €16.7 million. One of the investors’ main goals is for AB-Biotics to soon stop trading on the Spanish Alternative Stock Exchange (MAB).

Founders Àngel Bonachera and Sergi Audivert still have 12% of shares.
AB-Biotics, based at Esade Creapolis in Sant Cugat del Vallès, has two lines of business: probiotics, present in 66 countries, and precision medicine.

Photo: Àngel Bonachera and Sergi Audivert - © AB-Biotics