EMD Millipore, a division of Merck KGaA, will acquire Biochrom AG. Located in Berlin, Biochrom has 60 employees and sales of approximately $16 million in 2011. The company specializes in the production and marketing of cell-culture media and buffer solutions. Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions such as the approval of the respective antitrust authority. Closing of the transaction is expected in the 4Q12.
 
The acquisition will strengthen EMD Millipore’s Process Solutions business unit, which provides products, services and solutions that simplify production complexity for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Biochrom’s cell-culture media products are highly complementary and innovative, adding liquid cell-culture media and buffers including serum-free products and disposable packaging solutions to the existing portfolio. EMD Millipore plans to continue Biochrom's operations in Berlin.
 
“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,” said Robert Yates, head of the EMD Millipore division.