Chr Hansen has agreed to acquire HSO Health Care. The acquisition of the Austria-based B2B company specialising in probiotics for womens health will strengthen and expand Chr Hansens global microbial platform.

This acquisition is aligned with the strategy of pursuing bolt-on acquisitions that fit into the microbial platform, as outlined in the Natures no. 1 strategy.

Mauricio Graber, CEO of Chr Hansen, said: "I am excited that we have reached an agreement with HSO Health Care, which has demonstrated very fast growth through a globally recognised portfolio that complements our own UREX products nicely."

The acquisition of HSO has reinforced Chr Hansens long-term commitment to its probiotics business, and the fast-growing category for womens health, wher scientifically proven probiotic solutions are becoming increasingly popular among consumers.

Graber added: "Womens health is a high-growth segment wher innovation is becoming increasingly important, and with the addition of the Astarte portfolio we will be able to deliver innovation to a much larger market more quickly."

Helmut Essl, CEO of HSO Health Care, said: "HSO Health Care has been working from a mindset of scientifically documented, natural products since our inception, and we are delighted that with the addition of the Astarte products to Chr Hansen, we can make an even greater impact on a global scale. I am very excited that Chr Hansen will now bring Astarte to the next level."