CC&S completes Risdon sale

Risdon Pharma, the European pharmaceuticals packaging business of Philadelphia-based Crown Cork & Seal, has been bought by its management from the parent company for €97m (US$85m). Revenues for the business, which employs approximately 300 people, were some €44m ($39m) in 2001. It is expected to generate sales of €52m ($46m) for the current year.

With facilities in Offranville in France and Neuenburg in Germany, Risdon Pharma is a leading manufacturer of primary plastic packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. It designs and produces a wide range of containers and dispensers, including eyedroppers and nasal sprays.

'This transaction provides Risdon Pharma with its independence,' said Amaury de MenthiEre, ceo. 'As an autonomous business we will focus entirely on the pharmaceutical industry and will accelerate our strategy of investing in new technologies and state-of-the-art production.' The company aims to double its sales by 2005.