January 11, 2012

Kiotech International eyes more acquisitions following name change to Anpario

Anpario PLC, formerly known as Kiotech International, will focus on more acquisitions after the name change.

"The name change reflects the company's growing ambition in the global market for natural animal feed additives," said Chief executive David Bullen. "The organisation aims to focus on acquisitions, via the buy and build strategy."

Over the past few years, the company acquired Agil in 2006, and Optivite in 2009. "We need to have a distinct separation of the holding company from the current and potential future trading brands," Bullen explained.

The name change took effect on December 1, 2011.

"The name change has increased awareness as it stimulates questions. Thus, it can serve as a process of self improvement," said Bullen. "The name change has also had a positive effect internally as it has provided us with a new identity and helped us to refocus on our vision, and values."

Meanwhile, Anpario is continuing to focus on its high performance natural feed additives for global agriculture markets through its independent trading brands of Kiotechagil, Optivite and Vitrition. In aquaculture, through its Aquatice product, the company has an exclusive license agreement with the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), an Executive Agency of the UK government. "We are in the midst of a process to commercialise Aquatice," said Bullen. "Aquatice helps to stimulate the appetite of fish and shrimps through improving its digestive system which results in an improved FCR, less wastage, and thereby less water pollution."

Amid the uncertainties of the global economy, Anpario is pursuing a strategy to ensure diversification of its country and product portfolios. "We regularly review our position and where necessary will look to broaden both our geographic reach and our product offering to ensure that we maximise the potential to fulfil our customers' and markets' needs," said Bullen.