Bosch Packaging Technology, Waiblingen, Germany-based leading suppliers in the field of processing and packaging technology, and Eisai Co., Ltd., one of the leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies based in Tokyo, have signed an agreement on February 8, 2012 under which Bosch to acquire the machinery business companies of Eisai .
Eisai machinery business companies specialize in inspection machinery for the pharmaceutical industry. In 2010, the companies generated sales of around 76 million euros (8.6bn JPY) with 120 associates worldwide. Eisai machinery business has locations and service centres in Japan (Eisai Machinery Co., Ltd.), Germany (Eisai Machinery GmbH), North America (Eisai Machinery USA Inc.) and China (Eisai Machinery Shanghai Co., Ltd). Bosch Packaging Technology and Eisai Co., Ltd. have agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. The transaction is subject to compliance with antitrust legislation.
Eisai's inspection technology is used in the area of liquid pharmaceuticals, for instance with ampoules, pre-filled syringes, infusion bottles or vials, as well as in the production of solid pharmaceuticals such as tablets. In addition, the Eisai machinery companies sell packaging materials for pharmaceutical products, as well as pharmaceutical packaging machines from various manufacturers.
“Eisai and Bosch have been cooperating for years. We have formed a close partnership with Eisai Co., Ltd., both with its pharmaceutical business and its subsidiary Eisai Machinery Co., Ltd., which markets Bosch machines in Japan”, said Friedbert Klefenz, president of Bosch Packaging Technology. In future, he added, the global supplier of technology and services will be able to offer a broader product portfolio in the area of inspection technology, from basic inspection solutions to fully automated high-performance systems for all commonly used applications on the market.
“We can see excellent growth opportunities,” Klefenz said. “Inspection technology is of prime importance to pharmaceutical manufacturers, because of rising demands on the production and packaging process due to increasing levels of safety requirements worldwide. With this acquisition, we will also further increase our presence in the Japanese market.” Moreover, Bosch intends to continue pursuing Eisai's machinery established business of selling pharmaceutical packaging machines and materials.
“The collective corporate philosophies of Eisai Machinery and Bosch focus on people's quality of life”, said Yasushi Okada, vice president, Global Machinery Business of Eisai Co., Ltd. “We are very certain that the companies will successfully integrate each other's values in harmony. Together, we will produce a great synergy that is essential for continuous delivery of innovative products around the world.”