It is hoped that the new client base in China will provide promising opportunities for Merck Millipore.

Merck KGaA acquired Chinese cell culture media products, services, and bioreactors firm Beijing Skywing Technology for CYN 120 million (about €14 million, or $18.8 million). The Beijing-based firm currently employs about 80 people.

Merck claims Skywing is a major player in the Chinese cell culture media market and has close business relationships with vaccine manufacturers. “The acquisition allows Merck to immediately establish a direct presence in this market segment in China with access to an attractive and innovative cell culture media portfolio, close relationships with local customers, a skilled management team, and a high-quality facility,” notes Burghard Freiberg, head of Merck Millipore’s pharm chemicals solutions business. “These capabilities will enable Merck Millipore Process Solutions to strengthen the upstream process offering to customers in China.”

The firm points out that direct access to Chinese clients will also provide new potential outlets for Merck Millipore’s consumables sales including chromatography media, filtration devices, and disposable bioreactor solutions. Merck’s chemical business sector already employs over 600 people in China, where it has headquarters in Shanghai and a sales network spanning 18 major cities.

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