The phyL gene encoding phytase from the industrial strain Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 14580 (PhyL) was cloned, sequenced, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Biochemical characterization demonstrated that the recombinant enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of nearly 42 kDa. Interestingly, this enzyme was optimally active at 70-75 A degrees C and pH 6.5-7.0. This enzyme is distinguishable by the fact that it preserved more than 40 % of its activity at wide range of temperatures from 4 to 85 A degrees C. This new phytase displayed also a high specific activity of 316 U/mg. For its maximal activity and thermostability, this biocatalyst required only 0.6 mM of Ca2+ ion and exhibited high catalytic efficiency of 8.3 s(-1) mu M-1 towards phytic acid.