Intervet acquires new R&D facilities in the UK
Intervet acquires new R&D facilities in the UK Purchase will further strengthen Intervet's animal vaccine R&D in Europe Arnhem, the Netherlands, November 21, 2000 - Intervet, the veterinary business unit of Akzo Nobel, today announced that it has agreed to purchase research and development facilities from Aventis in the UK. The newly-acquired laboratories occupy a position adjacent to Intervet's existing site in Milton Keynes. Intervet will pay EUR 11 mln for the new facilities, enabling the company to stretch its wings in the United Kingdom and further strengthen its biological R&D power. The deal involves an area of about 5,000 m² of laboratories and offices, a warehouse of 4,850 m² and a further 4 hectares of development land. Intervet will start using the lab facilities in 2002, which will house approximately 80 R&D specialists. 230 people are currently employed at the Milton Keynes site, focusing on development of innovative biologicals for the global market as well as production operations and commercial activities of the local company, Intervet UK. "With the acquisition of these new R&D facilities, we can further enhance our biological R&D activities in Europe", said Toon Wilderbeek, General Manager of Intervet. "Together with the site in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, and the specialized aqua culture wet lab facilities in Bergen, Norway, we have the optimal infrastructure for further successful vaccine development." Intervet currently occupies the worldwide no. 3 position in the animal healthcare market. The Milton Keynes deal underlines the company's determination to realize its program of growth through R&D based product innovation and through strategic acquisitions. In April, Intervet acquired a small US-based company, BioTrends, which specializes in vaccines for cats. This was followed in June by the acquisition of the Biologicals Products Businesses in the USA and Canada of Bayer's Animal Health Division. The acquired Bayer business has an annual turnover of around USD 50 mln and specializes in vaccines for cattle, pigs and horses. In the field of animal pharmaceuticals research, Intervet last month realized the purchase of a state-of-the art Research and Development center in Schwabenheim, Germany, just a year after the inauguration of a new pharmaceutical R&D site in Angers, France. Note for the editor Intervet, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, is one of the world's leading animal health companies; its current position is No.3 in the world. The company is dedicated to the research and development, production and marketing of innovative, high quality animal health products and feed additives. The company's product range includes vaccines for use in large and companion animals, poultry and fish, antiparasitics, antiinfectives, endocrine products for regulation and improvement of breeding performances, diagnostics, feed additives and productivity enhancers. Intervet employs 4,800 people and maintains a global distribution network of subsidiary companies and agents in 120 countries. Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 1999 (excluding Acordis) totaled some EUR 12 billion (USD 13 billion, GBP 8 billion). Currently, the Company employs 68,000 people in 75 countries. Financial results for the year 2000 will be announced on February 23, 2001. Internet:http://www.akzonobel.com http://www.intervet.com For more information please contact: Akzo Nobel N.V. Ruurd Stolp, tel. +31 485 58 7200 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/11/21/20001121BIT01020/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/11/21/20001121BIT01020/bit0002.pdf