LGC expands laboratory facilities into Germany
LGC, the UK-based independent analytical laboratory providing chemical, biochemical and DNA analysis, has set up its first laboratory facilities outside the UK with the acquisition of Mikromol.
LGC, the UK-based independent analytical laboratory providing chemical, biochemical and DNA analysis, has set up its first laboratory facilities outside the UK with the acquisition of Mikromol.
Located in Germany, Mikromol is a world leader in the synthesis and sale of pharmaceutical impurities and metabolites as reference materials andwill become LGC's location for pharmaceutical synthesis and a centre of excellence for all aspects of pharmaceutical impurities and metabolites.
The acquisition is seen by both parties as the natural next step, offering a good strategic fit without any product or technology overlap, according to Dr Ray Ah-Sun, LGC's director of new ventures. 'The financial and technical resources of LGC will allow Mikromol to increase its product range and to expand its services to the pharmaceutical industry, especially in process development,' he said. 'This combination of Mikromol's expertise in pharmaceutical areas and LGC's standing in analytical science will enable the Group to strengthen its position in the interface between the regulators and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.'
The board of LGC believes that the acquisition of Mikromol consolidates its position in reference standards and signals its commitment to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. In particular, the Mikromol range of reference standards will strengthen the position of LGC Promochem as the specialist producer and distributor of reference standards to the pharmaceutical sector. LGC Promochem already enjoys a close relationship with US Pharmacopeia and is an established distributor of USP reference standards across Europe, India and elsewhere.
'Mikromol will be a key component of LGC's new Pharmaceutical Services Division. By combining high quality synthesis and measurement we will now be able to provide more comprehensive and value added services to our pharmaceutical clients,' said Dr Derek Craston, head of LGC's new Pharmaceutical Services Division supporting the Group's rapid expansion into the pharmaceutical sector.
All Mikromol staff will continue to work at its state-of-the-art facilities in Luckenwalde Technologie Park, near Berlin, where an expansion programme is already under way.