Eurofins Acquires the Discovery and Development Solutions Business of Merck KGaA

Eurofins Scientific

has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of the Discovery and Development Solutions (DDS) business of Merck Millipore (EMD Millipore in the United States and Canada), the Life Science division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. DDS is a provider of bioanalytical testing and early stage discovery services and products to the biopharmaceutical market. DDS generates revenues of about $35 million with 175 employees from its three sites in Missouri, Scotland, and England.

In addition, DDS provides expertise in bioanalytical testing to support clinical trials. The acquisition of DDS will strengthen Eurofins' presence in the early stage discovery solutions market while adding expertise in high-quality bioanalytical services, according to the company. After the transaction, DDS will continue to provide products and services to Merck KGaA's pharma business.

As part of the agreement, DDS will continue to be led by Christina Shasserre, who has headed the DDS business since 2010. Shasserre will become president of Eurofins Pharma BioAnalytical Services, as the company will be renamed following the closing. The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions, which the parties expect to complete within 90 days.

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