Probi Acquires Newly Issued Shares in New Zealand’s Blis Technologies

Probi (Sweden) has invested approximately NZD 9 million in newly issued shares in Blis Technologies Ltd (New Zealand), corresponding to a 13 percent ownership. The investment is part of a long-term strategic collaboration between the companies.

Blis Technologies is an innovative probiotic company with clinically documented bacterial strains for supporting our natural immune defense, preventing infections of the mouth and throat. The strains also contribute to a healthy set of teeth and gums. Blis’ clinically documented strains have a long and successful history of use in New Zealand, Australia and Asia, as well as in Europe and in North America.

In connection with the investment, Probi and Blis have signed a licensing and distribution agreement which means that Probi will manufacture Blis bacterial strains and offer these to Probi’s customers around the world. The companies will also collaborate in research and development.

“This is a very exciting partnership for Probi, Blis is an innovative and dynamic company with a high scientific profile supporting its products and a long history of research,” said Probi CEO Tom Rönnlund. “Through this partnership, we will be able to broaden our portfolio with more health areas and strengthen our position within clinically documented bacterial strains. At the same time, we can utilize our greater production capacity effectively and thereby contribute to higher profitability for both Probi and Blis.” 

“We are very pleased to have a company like Probi both as an owner and partner. With Probi, we get a strong partner who can offer high-quality production of our probiotic strains and who has a strong position in the American market where we see great potential for our products. With the capital injection from the new share issue, we will also be able to continue to develop new products with Probi,” added Brian Watson, CEO of Blis Technologies.

“We aim to initiate production of Blis products from Q4 this year. In parallel, we will roll out Blis bacterial strains in our portfolio during the autumn,” Rönnlund noted.

For more information, visit www.probi.com or www.blis.co.nz.