Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq: VRNM), a pioneer in the development and commercialization of high-performance enzymes solutions, today announced an agreement with Desmet Ballestra Group s.a., a leading global solutions provider in the field of engineering and delivery of installations and equipment for the edible oil and fats and biodiesel industries, to jointly market the Purifine enzymatic degumming process, which combines Verenium's Purifine® PLC enzyme and Desmet Ballestra's engineering services and equipment.
Under the terms of the agreement, Desmet Ballestra has a license to market Purifine® PLC packaged with its processing equipment and engineering services for processing vegetable oil for edible, biodiesel, and other non-edible uses. Verenium will sell Purifine® PLC directly to all customers, while supporting Desmet Ballestra's marketing efforts.
"Verenium is pleased to be working with Desmet Ballestra, a world leader in the engineering and construction of oil extraction and refining plants," said Janet Roemer, Verenium's President and Chief Operating Officer. "By entering into joint marketing agreements with leading engineering service firms like Desmet Ballestra, we are able to accelerate the growth of our Purifine® PLC product without incurring substantial incremental marketing expenses. I look forward to working with such an experienced and reputable player in the significant and growing edible oils industry."
"We are excited to partner with Verenium and to be able to market the Company's novel Purifine® PLC product in tandem with our leading engineering services to our customer base," said Olivier Hanne, Sales Director, Desmet Ballestra. "Desmet Ballestra's valuable international experience in the design, development and implementation of various process technologies for the edible and non-edible oil processing industries will greatly enhance Verenium's ability to further penetrate target markets with their leading enzymatic degumming technology."