French fermentation and microorganisms giant Lesaffre has acquired its compatriot Altar from Ginkgo Bioworks. The company said that Altar, a 2017 start-up specialising in adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE), will complement its existing know-how and technologies, and boost its innovation capabilities. Ginkgo will retain access to Altar’s technology.

Solvay has agreed a multi-year strategic collaboration with US firm Ginkgo Bioworks, which was formerly Zymergen. Under this, Solvay said, they will join forces “to unlock the power of synthetic biology as an enabler of more sustainable chemicals and materials, contributing to the transition towards more environmentally friendly solutions”.

Cell engineering company Ginkgo Bioworks has acquired the troubled synthetic biology specialist Zymergen for a market capitalisation of $300 million. It will now look for “strategic alternatives” for the new drug discovery business once this is complete. Both boards have approved.