Merck acquires cell culture specialist Biochrom

Hannah Blake

pharmaphorum

EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of German-based Merck KGaA has announced it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire Biochrom AG, located in Berlin, Germany. Biochrom AG specializes in the production and marketing of cell-culture media and buffer solutions and had sales of approximately EU €13 million in 2011.

“EMD Millipore is the ideal partner for Biochrom. With EMD Millipore we will be able to leverage their industry relationships and global footprint to reach more customers and offer a more comprehensive portfolio of media and buffers.”

Dr. Bernd Frenzel, CEO of Biochrom AG.

EMD Millipore’s acquisition of Biochrom will strengthen its business unit, which provides products services and solutions to simplify production complexity for pharma and biopharma manufacturers.

“With Biochrom we have a great opportunity to deliver an expanded portfolio of cell-culture media products to our global customers and address a growing demand for ready-to-use liquid solutions that drive safety and efficiency in the development and manufacture of clinical and commercial drug materials.”

Robert Yates, head of the EMD Millipore division.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and the transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.