Moolec Science, a producer of animal proteins through molecular farming, has entered into an all-stock business combination with Bioceres Group Limited and related entities. The deal, finalized on April 17, 2025, will position Moolec as the parent company of Bioceres Group, Nutrecon LLC, and Gentle Technologies Corp., creating a larger entity focused on innovation in food production and sustainability.
“Molecular farming […] offers a compelling solution to the challenge of balancing productivity and sustainability”
Moolec uses molecular farming to produce animal proteins and nutritional oils by engineering plants to carry animal protein genes. This approach allows for the production of proteins typically sourced from animals, but using plant-based systems, which could provide a more sustainable and scalable alternative. In the new structure, Moolec will issue up to 87 million new shares and 5 million warrants to the shareholders of the involved entities, which collectively manage more than 800 patents and 550 product registrations.
Federico Trucco, CEO of Bioceres Crop Solutions and a board member of Bioceres Group, pointed to the growing importance of agricultural innovation in addressing environmental challenges. “Molecular farming, as exemplified by Moolec Science, offers a compelling solution to the challenge of balancing productivity and sustainability,” said Trucco. He further noted the significance of Moolec’s ability to produce animal protein directly through plants, noting the efficiency of this approach compared to traditional crop yields.
Merging agricultural technologies
The merger will bring together Moolec’s unique molecular farming capabilities with Bioceres Group’s biological agricultural technologies, including climate-resilient seeds and microbial solutions. This integration could support not only the sustainable production of plant-based animal proteins but also a broader range of agricultural innovations. Moolec will also gain access to Synbio Powerlabs’ sustainable fungi-derived ingredients, allowing it to further diversify its offerings.
Juan Sartori, founder and chairman of Union Group, stated, “By combining science, scale, and sustainability, Moolec is positioned to lead a global transformation in how we produce food, materials, and energy.”
The merger is expected to close during the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Moolec anticipates strong support from shareholders, as the deal has already received approval from 70% of its current investors.
Leadership changes following merger
Following the business combination, CEO Gastón Paladini will step down from his position after the company’s Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for April 22, 2025. In an exit statement, Paladini wrote, “I leave feeling sad, but also deeply fulfilled. I leave knowing that maybe, just maybe, I’ve left a mark on the world.”
José López Lecube, CFO of Moolec, explained that the merger would result in significant operational synergies, reducing costs and expanding the company’s ability to diversify its product portfolio. “This transformative transaction positions the company for growth within a broader organization, facilitating synergies across multiple sectors,” he said.
