In 2022, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen announced their merger to create a global biosolutions group. The name of the future combined company has now been unveiled, Novonesis. Novonesis means “a new beginning” and derives from the Greek word “genesis”. The name reflects a new era of biosolutions where innovation in biological sciences and technology will offer solutions to solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity.
“Novonesis reflects where we came from, what we can achieve, and what we will become together. We are dedicated to harnessing the transformative potential of biology. Building on our legacy of developing innovative solutions, we stand ready to unlock unprecedented opportunities. In Novonesis, we will unite the brightest minds and the best science and technology in the field to help customers and businesses prosper while enabling them to solve some of the greatest challenges we all face. We are here to start an era of biosolutions. That is why we have chosen to call our new company Novonesis which means ‘A new beginning’,” said Ester Baiget, president and CEO of Novozymes.
“We developed the name Novonesis in close collaboration and dialogue between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen. It has been crucial to find a name that can be a home to all our 10,000 employees, but even more importantly the name should represent the future potential of biosolutions. We believe we have found that name in Novonesis. A name that reflects our immense commitment to making biological solutions play an even bigger role in our planet’s future,” said Cees de Jong, chairman of Novozymes.
The announcement of the name marks an important milestone towards uniting the two companies. The name "Novonesis" is supplemented by a brand identity inspired by the world of microbiology.
Progress on closing the combination
The merger approval process continues to progress as planned, and the closing is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2024 following regulatory approval. The name Novonesis will be used and gradually implemented once the proposed combination is completed. Until final merger control approvals are received, and the proposed combination completes, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen will operate as a completely separate companies.
The combined group will have a global network of more than 23 manufacturing sites and close to 40 R&D and application centers that employ around 10,000 talented and purpose-driven employees.
