BIOHIT AND VWR INTERNATIONAL SIGN AGREEMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN EUROPE
Biohit Oyj and VWR International, a leading global distributor of scientific
equipment, supplies, chemicals and furniture, have entered into an agreement
concerning sales and marketing of liquid handling products in Europe. The new
agreement further strengthens Biohit's distribution network in Europe, one of
its major market areas, and the company's position in key market segments. The
agreement comes into effect immediately.
Under the terms of the agreement, Biohit becomes a focus supplier of pipettors
and disposable pipettor tips to VWR customers throughout Europe. VWR is one of
the world's largest multinational distributors of laboratory equipment to life
science, industrial, governmental, health care and educational laboratories,
with a strong presence in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
The agreement forms part of Biohit's intention to strengthen its distribution
network and its role to become a number one supplier of liquid handling products
to its key customer groups, the pharmaceutical industry in particular.
Pharmaceutical companies often source their products from multinational
distributors or through a single local distributor, which is why Biohit is
focusing on close co-operation with these distributors. Biohit continues to work
with both local distributors and multinationals, as these distribution channels
complement each other.
Biohit and VWR have been in close co-operation for years in the USA, where
Biohit is one of VWR's focus suppliers. In 2004, Biohit Inc. received a special
Consumables or Chemicals Supplier Award from VWR International, Inc.
Biohit Oyj
Osmo Suovaniemi
President & CEO
About VWR International
VWR International is a leader in the global research laboratory industry with
worldwide sales in excess of $3 billion US dollars. VWR's business is highly
diversified across products and services, geographic regions and customer
segments. The company offers products from a wide range of manufacturers, to a
large number of customers primarily in North America, Europe and other
locations. VWR's principal customers are major pharmaceutical, biotechnology,
chemical, technology, clinical, food processing and consumer product companies,
universities and research institutes, governmental agencies, environmental
testing organizations, and primary and secondary schools. VWR distributes a
diversified product mix, including chemicals, glassware and plastic ware,
equipment and instruments, furniture, protective apparel, production and safety
products, and other life science and laboratory products and supplies. VWR
supports its customers by providing storeroom management, product procurement,
supply chain systems integration, technical services and laboratory bench top
delivery. VWR maintains operations in over 20 countries and employs over 6,000
people worldwide. VWR International is headquartered in West Chester,
Pennsylvania.
For more information on VWR International, phone 1-800-932-5000, visit
www.vwr.com, or write, VWR International, Inc., 1310 Goshen Parkway, P.O. Box
2656, West Chester, PA 19380-0906.
About Biohit
Biohit develops and manufactures laboratory devices and equipment as well as
diagnostic tests and analysis systems for use in research institutions, health
care and industrial laboratories. Liquid handling business comprises electronic
and mechanical pipettors, disposable pipettor tips and after-sales services. The
diagnostics business includes test kits for diagnosing diseases of the
gastrointestinal area, as well as instruments and analysis systems.
Biohit has a network of 450 distributors, including 7 subsidiaries, in 70
countries. For more information, visit www.biohit.com.
Further information:
Osmo Suovaniemi, M.D., Ph.D., Professor
President & CEO
Tel: +358-9-773 861
Mobile: +358-40-745 5605
Email: osmo.suovaniemi@biohit.com
Distribution:
Helsinki Exchanges
Financial Supervisory Authority
Press
http://www.biohit.com