IDT Biologika, an innovative, privately-held life science company, has acquired Gallant Custom Laboratories, based in Ontario, Canada, the only Canadian company authorised by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to manufacture autogenous viral and bacterial vaccines. The transaction is to close August 31, 2015.

"With its strong scientific focus, in-house research and development and production of autogenous vaccines for the Canadian market, Gallant is an outstanding match for the IDT Group," says IDT Biologika CEO Dr. Ralf Pfirmann.

"With this second acquisition in North America within just a few months, IDT Biologika is highlighting its expanding commitment to meeting the vaccine manufacturing needs in these key international markets."

Gallant serves customers throughout Canada, particularly to those who provide vaccines to the Canadian livestock and poultry industry. The company relies on modern in-house diagnostic laboratory facilities to identify viral and bacterial diseases in pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and poultry, and to subsequently manufacture and supply the appropriate autogenous vaccines corresponding to specific pathogens out of its Cambridge-based manufacturing facilities in Ontario. Gallant presently employs twelve people, and will continue to do business as "Gallant Customs Laboratories, an IDT Biologika company." Jackie Gallant, a microbiologist who founded the company 20 years ago, will retain her title as president of Gallant Customs Laboratories and serve as senior executive manager. In addition, she will sit on the IDT Scientific Advisory Board.

"Gallant is an important addition to the IDT Biologika family both for its proprietary research and development in bacterial and viral vaccines and also for its thorough market expertise, customer relations and network within the Canadian livestock industry. Gallant also has important collaborations with renowned academic institutions in the field of animal health vaccines, a key strength that we will continue to expand in the future," says Andreas Kastenbauer, managing director of IDT Biologika.

Jackie Gallant sees many advantages for her company in the new relationship with IDT and integration into its animal health division. "As part of IDT, Gallant will now have opportunities to provide new technologies and services to the Canadian animal health market. The current business will continue to thrive and grow with new investment from IDT. I see this as a perfect match of skills and expertise. Although IDT is much larger, it maintains a family-owned business philosophy that fits well into the existing culture at Gallant.”

"Gallant Custom Laboratories will play a key role in our global animal health strategy, as it provides IDT excellent access to the Canadian and North American veterinary vaccine market. We will invest in the expansion of the Gallant autogenous vaccine business by increasing the laboratories, R&D and manufacturing services offered, and also in the submission and launch of our innovative commercial vaccine range in North America," adds Kastenbauer.