EMD Millipore to acquire Biotest microbiology business to expand product portfolio

EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Germany, today announced plans to expand its industrial microbiological testing portfolio. This follows Merck KGaA's announcement it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the microbiology business of Germany-based Biotest AG. The acquisition will strengthen EMD Millipore's Biomonitoring business, further enhancing its strong position in the fast growing industrial microbiology testing market.

"With increasing quality standards and regulatory scrutiny, industry demand is quickly shifting to ready-to-use culture media and all-in-one solutions," said Klaus Bischoff, Head of the Lab Solutions business unit within EMD Millipore. He added: "With the acquisition of the heipha and Hycon product lines we strengthen our product portfolio and acquire a business with a motivated, customer focused workforce, unique know how and state-of-the-art production."

Biotest AG's microbiology businesses (heipha Dr. Mueller and Hycon), headquartered in Germany, have approximately 290 employees and sales of approximately EUR 50 million (USD 70 million) in 2010. Their products are primarily used in the pharmaceutical, food & beverage and personal care industries.

"This acquisition is a great strategic fit on many levels. Not only do we expand our portfolio in a critical growth area of RTU media, there are also many synergies in production, product and market development and - important to both companies - customer collaboration," said Roland Heinrich, Head of EMD Millipore's Biomonitoring business. "In addition to Ready-to-Use media, it will also add particle counting and strengthen air monitoring in our hygiene monitoring portfolio."

The agreement is subject to antitrust approvals in Germany and Austria. Closing of the transaction is expected in the second half of 2011.