Eurofins Scientific has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of the Discovery and Development Solutions (DDS) business of Merck Millipore (EMD Millipore), the Life Science division of Merck KGaA. DDS provides bioanalytical testing and early stage discovery services and products to the biopharmaceutical industry and generates revenues of approximately $35 million with 175 employees from three sites in St. Charles, MO, Dundee, Scotland and Oxford, England.
 
DDS also provides expertise in bioanalytical testing to support clinical trials. The acquisition expands Eurofins’ capabilities in early stage discovery solutions and adds expertise in high-quality bioanalytical services. DDS will continue to provide products and services to Merck KGaA’s pharma business.
 
Eurofins will retain DDS’ workforce and leadership, and the business will continue to be led by Christina Shasserre, who will serve as president of the new company, Eurofins Pharma BioAnalytical Services, following the closing. The transaction, subject to standard closing conditions, is expected to be complete within 90 days.
 
Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins chief executive officer, said, “The addition of DDS into the Eurofins network reinforces our leading position in the discovery pharmacology market, and expands our large molecules bioanalytical service capability to meet the growing needs of our pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients. The transaction reflects Eurofins’ commitment to provide the best laboratory services and client support to its customers, and the highest level of analytical testing technology available in the industry.”