German technology group Körber is planning to acquire Werum IT Solutions, formerly Werum Software & Systems, of Lüneburg, Germany to expand its Medipak Systems business.
Werum provides manufacturing execution systems (MES) for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. The company shares are held mainly by current and former employees. The aim is to acquire 100% of the shares.
No financial details have been revealed. The acquisition is subject to the approval of the anti-trust authorities.
Medipak Systems specialises in inspection and packaging technologies as well as the manufacture of high-quality packaging for pharmaceutical products.
'Software solutions such as the products and services provided by Werum are becoming increasingly important for us as a technology group, and are also highly relevant from a strategic perspective,' commented Richard Bauer, Chairman of Körber's Executive Board.
Gerhard Breu, CEO of the Körber Medipak Systems business area, added: 'Within the Körber Group, Werum would be able to benefit from our international focus and broad technological experience. Together, we could develop new, unique products and exploit long-term growth opportunities with a strong international customer base in our field of business.'
Software solutions such as the products and services provided by Werum are becoming increasingly important for us as a technology group
Werum will retain its brand and market profile, while being integrated into Körber Medipak Systems and operate alongside the firm's existing business areas of Pharma Materials (development and manufacture of high-quality packaging) and Pharma Technology (inspection and packaging machines for the pharmaceutical industry).
Werum IT Solutions has around 400 staff across ten sites in Europe, the US, Japan and Singapore.
Ahead of the planned sale, Werum Software & Systems was split into two companies. As part of this, Werum Software & Systems CIS was founded. This company, which is not part of the deal with Körber, employs around 100 people and develops and markets software for sectors outside the pharmaceutical industry. It will continue to operate as an independent company with its own management team.
Körber Medipak Systems unites four companies. At sites in Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and the US, they offer solutions, technologies and services for the complete packaging process for the international pharmaceutical industry. These range from the development of standard and special folding boxes through innovative packaging and inspection machines to complete Track&Trace solutions.