‘Just the beginning’: UAS Labs agrees to acquire Nebraska Cultures

04-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 16-Aug-2019 at 14:15 GMT

Wisconsin-based UAS Laboratories LLC has announced the acquisition of Nebraska Cultures, Inc., which specializes in custom-manufactured probiotic solutions including Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 and the ProDURA brand of spore-based probiotics.

Through this transaction, UAS Labs will accelerate its leadership in the fast-growing probiotic industry, said UAS in a release.

Kevin Mehring, UAS Labs President and CEO, told NutraIngredients-USA that the acquisition marks the start of an exciting year for UAS Labs. “The acquisition of Nebraska Cultures is just the beginning,” he said.

DDS-1

The acquisition gives UAS exclusivity over Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, one of the longest studied probiotic strains. Dr. Khem Shahani discovered and began research on the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus in 1959. Dr. Shahani founded Nebraska Cultures in 1981. Throughout his career, Dr. Shahani published over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, many demonstrating the health benefits of DDS-1. UAS Labs has conducted multiple double-blind, gold standard clinical studies on DDS-1 in recognition of the strengths of the strain.

In addition, UAS will now provide spore-based probiotics utilizing the well-established ProDURA brand. Maypro Industries, a distributor for Nebraska Cultures, will continue to support the ProDURA line with their existing customer base.

Lakeview Equity Partners, LLC, the majority owner of UAS Labs, lead the acquisition effort. Terms were not disclosed. Mehring confirmed that this was an acquisition of assets, and noted that a few key members of the Nebraska Cultures team will be involved to ensure a successful transition.

“We are extremely proud to have acquired a company that has shown strong values, impressive science and a dedication to the industry,” said Mehring. “This groundwork enables our passionate group of colleagues to further our company mission of providing leading and trusted probiotic-based solutions.”

Finding a new home

Michael Shahani, Nebraska Cultures COO, commented: “We are honored to have served the nutraceutical industry for several decades, beginning in the 1950’s with my father’s pioneering research,” said “We are thrilled to find in UAS a home where this work can contribute to tomorrow’s industry through the tremendous technical and production capabilities that this company provides.”

Dr. Gregory Leyer, UAS Labs’s CSO, added: “We are honored to have the opportunity to write the next successful chapter for the DDS-1 strain and are grateful for the work that the Shahani family has done to continue their fathers’ life work.”