Latham Advises Novonesis on Acquisition of MicroBioGen

Latham & Watkins has advised Novonesis on an agreement to acquire MicroBioGen, an Australian biotechnology company with leading scientific expertise in yeast strains for industrial applications, particularly in bioethanol.

The acquisition builds on Novonesis’ 2013 investment in MicroBioGen and its existing 23% stake, further strengthening a decade-long collaboration in advanced yeast solutions for bioethanol production. The terms of the transaction will not be disclosed, and completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The Latham team was led by London corporate partner Robbie McLaren, with associates Elliot Brownlee and Annie Grimes. Advice on healthcare and life sciences matters was provided by London partner Lydia Torne, with associate Luke Nauth; on antitrust matters by London partners Ludmilla Le Grand and Simon Pritchard, with associates Milo Noone and Oscar Hayward; on tax matters by London partners Aoife McCabe and Karl Mah; on employment and benefits matters by London partner Sarah Gadd, with associate Ellie Wilson; on data and technology matters by London partner Christian McDermott, with associates Liz Longster, Callum Lee, and Yinka Ogboye; on antibribery and anticorruption matters by London partner Clare Nida, with associate Matthew Unsworth; and on sanctions and trade control matters by counsel Thomas Lane, with associate Gregory Slevin.