Balchem Corporation, a specialty ingredients company specializing in nutrition and health, recently signed a definitive agreement to purchase Kappa Bioscience, an Oslo, Norway-based supplier of vitamin K2 for nutrition.
 
Vitamin K2 has grown primarily due to its roles in bone health, heart health, immunity, and athletic performance, Balchem reports. Additionally, it is important in all of life’s stages, including pregnancy, early life, and life’s later stages. Kappa’s K2Vital branded synthetic vitamin K2 is backed by intellectual property and clinical research portfolios.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Kappa Bioscience’s strong and experienced team to Balchem. This acquisition accelerates our strategy to expand our portfolio of science-based specialty nutrients with leading positions in growing markets. Vitamin K2 fits squarely with our strategic focus and our vision of making the world a healthier place,” said Ted Harris, chairman, CEO, and president of Balchem. “Kappa is the leader within its space and the only company offering a patented, 99.7% all-trans vitamin K2 as MK-7, identical to the bioactive vitamin K2 molecule found in nature. We believe the combining of our two companies will strengthen our scientific and technical expertise, geographic reach, and marketplace leadership while ultimately leading to accelerated growth for both companies’ portfolios.”
 
“We are extremely excited to join Balchem, a market leader in human nutrition and health and a science-driven company that aligns well with our vision to improve the quality of life for all, Egil Greve, Kappa Bioscience president and CEO, said. “Our partners can expect continued expert knowledge, scientific excellence, product safety and quality, and customer service as we further strengthen these areas together with Balchem. Our two companies are very complementary to each other. Balchem’s strength in the United States will further accelerate the growth of Kappa’s vitamin K2 platform in that key market. At the same time, Kappa provides Balchem with increased access to European markets. Both companies share a passion for science-based nutrition solutions while operating to the highest integrity and doing it right.”
 
Balchem is acquiring Kappa from majority owner Verdane Edda for an enterprise value of NOK 3.175 billion (approximately $338 million). Kappa’s revenues are approximately $53 million according to Balchem, which reports that the company has a strong growth and margin profile. Kappa will be included in Balchem’s human nutrition and health business segment following the acquisition.