Jun 24 2010
Total, a major international oil and gas company, and Amyris Inc., which operates an industrial synthetic biology platform, announced today a strategic partnership encompassing Total’s investment in Amyris and a wide-spectrum master development and collaboration agreement.
Total has agreed to acquire approximately 17% equity interest in Amyris on a fully diluted basis, and will have the right to appoint a member of the Amyris Board of Directors.
Under their collaboration agreement, Total and Amyris R&D teams will work together to develop new products and build biological pathways to produce and commercialize renewable fuels and chemicals.
The partnership combines Amyris’ industrial synthetic biology platform and emerging Brazilian production capacity with Total’s technological know-how, industrial scale-up capabilities and access to markets.
“Biotechnology offers new perspectives on the conversion of biomass into molecules for biofuels and green chemistry," emphasized Philippe Boisseau, President, Total Gas & Power. “Amyris is one of the most promising start-ups in the emerging white biotechnology field. Its technology platform is a powerful accelerator for the development of industrial production routes for several of our markets. This partnership is a milestone for Total, as we aim to become an important player in this domain."
“Our partnership with Total represents a significant shift forward for Amyris,” said John Melo, Chief Executive Officer of Amyris. “Through our existing relationships and accomplishments, we have built Amyris to be an integrated renewable products company combining technology, production and commercialization. Now, with Total, we have a powerful ally to help us bring that vision to scale and expand our horizons to new products and new technologies.”