Des Moines-based Kemin Industries has acquired Hennessy Research Associates of Lenexa, Kan. Financial details were not disclosed.

Kemin produces specialty ingredients for animal nutrition and health, pet food and more for companies around the world. Hennessy Research Associates specializes in the research and development of vaccines for infectious diseases of animals.

Hennessy Research Associates will operate in the Kemin ecosystem, specializing in veterinary biologicals as a contractor.

“As Kemin continues to expand our offerings in animal vaccines, the acquisition of Hennessy Research Associates allows us to strengthen our position in the U.S. and global animal health markets with additional expertise and science-backed research that is critical to ensure the health and welfare of animals worldwide,” Chris Nelson, president and CEO of Kemin Industries, said in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Hennessy and her team of experts in serving our current and future customers.”

Kemin’s global animal vaccine business unit, Kemin Biologics, provides vaccine development and manufacturing within the animal health industry. With this acquisition, Kemin expands its portfolio to include contract vaccine research, development, and manufacturing, and adds more than 50 team members from Hennessy.

Hennessy Research Associates was founded in 2001 by Kristina J. Hennessy, who has more than 30 years of experience in animal health research and product development, holds several product patents for addressing infectious diseases in animals, and is board certified in immunology by the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists.