Private Equity Acquires Stake in Natural Astaxanthin Supplier Algatechnologies

Grovepoint, UK, a private investment company, has acquired a majority stake in Algatechnologies Ltd., Israel, a rapidly growing company specializing in the commercial cultivation of microalgae and a leading manufacturer of AstaPure, natural astaxanthin.

18 Feb 2013 --- An Algatechnologies spokesperson told FoodIngredientsFirst that Grovepoint has acquired a majority and controlling stake in the company of 51-60%. Algatechnologies is valued at around US$50 million.

Astaxanthin is a powerful natural antioxidant with proven health benefits in several health conditions related to, joint and muscle function, skincare health, cardiovascular health and more. Astaxanthin is already well-established in Japanese health food products and increased recognition of its benefits is driving the rapid rise in demand in the United States and Europe.

“Grovepoint believes there is significant potential to grow the range of products where astaxanthin is the key ingredient and to fully exploit the potential of microalgae derived products for other commercial applications,” says Leon Blitz, CEO at Grovepoint. “Grovepoint will be making additional capital available for growing the existing business, marketing the company’s ‘Astapure’ brand around the world and investing in R&D, so that new algae derived products can be brought to market.” Following the transaction, Grovepoint partners Brad Fried and Leon Blitz will join the Algatechnologies Board.

“Astaxanthin is a distinctive product, whose properties as an antioxidant are increasingly well understood, added Blitz. “We believe astaxanthin and other microalgae based products have a great future and look forward to working with the Algatechnologies team to maximize their potential. It is our intention to build the company by increasing its R&D capacity and expanding its distribution.”

“We have been looking for an investor with the financial expertise and commercial instincts to accelerate Algatechnologies’s development,” explains Ed Hofland, Chairman of Algatechnologies. “In Grovepoint we have found a partner who shares our enthusiasm for microalgae and has a clear vision in terms of maximizing its commercial potential.”

Algatechnologies has developed proprietary technology which allows the production of the AstaPure line in a closed system, fully controlled and totally exposed to natural sun light, making it a sustainable facility.

Grovepoint is a London based, private investment firm founded in 2010. Algatechnologies is the fourth deal to be announced by Grovepoint’s principal investment division, Grovepoint Capital, which also has investments in the UK electronics, engineering and petrol retailing sectors. The principal investment division has arranged, advised and structured investments with a total value of over $1 billion.

In 2011 Grovepoint established a fund management division, Grovepoint Investment Management, which has approximately $300m in funds under management.