Kerry expands probiotic portfolio with Bio-K+ International acquisition
BioK+ was founded in 1994 and is located in the Parc Scientifique de Haute Technologie of Laval. The company has a range of clinically-supported probiotic beverage and supplement applications in the North American market.
The acquisition expands Kerry’s portfolio of probiotics, which already includes GanedenBC30 (acquired in 2017). Bio-K Plus products are formulated with three proprietary and clinically validated strains of probiotics with published clinical trials confirming efficacy for a range of therapeutic benefits, including the prevention of side effects resulting from antibiotic use.
“Bio-K+ is an undeniable success both scientifically and commercially and we are very excited to have the opportunity to promote the brand and their high-quality products worldwide,” said John Quilter, Vice President of Global ProActive Health Technology at Kerry. “We are also very proud to be able to continue the expansion of Bio-K+ in Quebec with a great team.”
Saluting the healthcare ambassadors
“The Roy-Chevalier family has built over 25 years a company whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life of people through the research, manufacturing and sale of scientifically proven quality probiotic products. Our family is proud of the work accomplished. Isabèle, François-Pierre, Monique and I would like to warmly thank our teams for their commitment as well as our advisory committee for their support. We also salute the healthcare professionals who have been ambassadors of our clinically recognized products,” said Claude Chevalier.
Isabèle Chevalier added: “In founding the company, the dream of my father Claude Chevalier and the family was to offer quality product with unique virtues capable of improving the health and quality of life of people. Our mission for Bio-K+ has always had a global focus. The sale of the business allows our family's mission to be realized in the short term.
“My brother and I grew up in this company, we have developed with it and we devoted ourselves to it, so this decision is emotional for us but we know that it is the right thing to do for the organization. This will allow Bio-K+ to fully soar by making its products we know have a major impact on people's health available worldwide.”
BioK+ has held the number one spot in Canada for the past decade, said the company, and the acquisition by Kerry, which has 148 sites on six continents worldwide, will drive the next phase of its development, said the companies.
BioK+ has 134 employees and operates two facilities, one located in Quebec, and the second in California.
Another notable recent acquisition by Kerry was for the immune health ingredient Wellmune in 2015.
