Finalized on March 19, 2008, and effective immediately, the legal name of the company will be Kemin Nord Palatabilizantes do Brasil SA. This strategic acquisition will combine the expertise, experience and technology of Kemin with the successful Nord business to provide high-quality pet food palatants to Central and South America.

Nord started production in February 2003 and has annually achieved rapid growth in the sales of palatants to pet food manufacturers. The company is located in Santa Catarina state, which has a large availability of fresh ingredients used to manufacture the palatants. The company recently completed construction on a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to better service its growing pet food customer base.

Kemin will be responsible for the management of Kemin Nord Palatabilizantes do Brasil SA and will market new products under the Palasurance brand to pet food companies.

"This acquisition provides the opportunity for Kemin to build on the strength of our established knowledge and expertise in the pet food industry for palatability and antioxidants and expand our commitment to deliver the highest quality palatability enhancers to our customers," said Giuseppe Abrate, president of the Kemin pet food ingredient business. "I am pleased to add South and Central America to our existing U.S. and European facilities for pet food palatants to give our customers freedom to choose the best product that will deliver the best flavor."

"The acquisition of Nord further accelerates our vision to improve the quality of human and animal life throughout the world," said Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries.

From the March 31, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash