Rising global demand for probiotics is the motivating factor behind Chr Hansen's $530m acquisition of US dietary supplements player UAS Laboratories.

J&J Consumer has a new chairman, Stada UK gets a permanent head, and Karo names its next CEO. On the association front, France's Afipa and the WSMI elect new leaders.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced April through May 2014.

With the global market for probiotics predicted to grow 40% in the next five years, some firms are looking for market-share gains by launching products that expand beyond the traditional areas of digestive health and immunity support to include oral care, sports nutrition and children’s products. Probiotic bath and skin-care products also are emerging.