The deal is HTBA’s first acquisition. Both companies will continue to operate independently, and will also work together to enhance and develop their science-backed ingredient portfolios for the supplement, food and beverage industries. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the USA, Specnova is recognised for patented, clinically validated technologies designed to improve bioavailability, bio-efficacy and sustained release performance of active ingredients. Its LipoVantage® platform uses liposomes to encapsulate active ingredients, helping protect them through the digestive system and support absorption. Its NovaQSpheres® technology offers controlled release through multi-layered beadlets, giving formulators greater flexibility when working with multiple actives.

For HTBA, the acquisition is intended to strengthen its foothold in the US market and, over time, enhance product performance and develop differentiated formats. For Specnova, the agreement provides access to HTBA’s global commercial network, enabling it to reach customers beyond North America.

“Specnova is a natural fit, bringing technologies that complement our existing offering and provide a catalyst to accelerate future developments. Together, we can combine our strengths to unlock new opportunities for our customers, while allowing both businesses to build on what we do best,” said Alexandre Valls-Coma, CEO of HTBA.

“What stood out when we met HTBA was a shared commitment to science and to doing things properly from the outset. Our focus on technology, clinical research, intellectual property and customer service will not change. What changes is the scope of what we are able to offer, both to our existing customers in North America and to customers in markets where HTBA is already established,” said Sebastian Balcombe, Founder and CEO of Specnova.

Both companies at SupplySide Global

HTBA and Specnova will exhibit at SupplySide Global 2026 (Las Vegas, 28-30 October), at booth #3645 and booth #5040 respectively. HTBA will mark the official US launch of Leanara®, a GLP-1 companion ingredient that combines bioflavonoids with advanced vitamin B12 technology to help preserve muscle mass and sustain energy levels during weight loss. Visitors can also see MecobalActive®, a bioidentical, active form of vitamin B12 for cognitive and physical performance, and DiosVein Forte®, a micronised flavonoid fraction developed to support vascular health, circulation and leg comfort.

Specnova will showcase LipoVantage and NovaQSpheres alongside its clinically backed branded ingredients, including NooGandha®, liposomal ashwagandha, NordicCherry® tart cherry extract and RiboBeauty® redcurrant blackcurrant extract.

HTBA, which serves the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and animal nutrition sectors, is headquartered in Barcelona and manufactures at its facility in Murcia, Spain. It has ideation centres in Spain and at its North American operations centre in Ohio.