ATMI, Inc. has acquired the Belgian biotechnology firm
Artelis S.A.,
an innovator in the area of highly-efficient bioprocesses and technologies for
cell culture research and manufacturing scale-up. The acquisition complements
ATMI’s leadership in ultra-pure single-use films, bioreactors, and mixing
systems for characterizing, developing, and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals
and extends its global capabilities to a broad range of biopharmaceutical
process expertise.
Since 2006, ATMI and Artelis have partnered to develop
technologies that address the rising demand for disposables in the life
sciences research and manufacturing sector. ATMI was an early investor in
Artelis and, with this transaction, has acquired the remaining equity position
in the Brussels,
Belgium-based firm. As a result of this investment, ATMI expects that its
earnings per share will be diluted approximately $0.02 in each of the next few
quarters.
“Artelis is an innovator and leader in cell culture
process optimization for vaccine, veterinary, and cell therapy applications.
This acquisition integrates those capabilities with ATMI’s
industry leading — and in many instances enabling — single-use mixing and bioreactor
technologies,” said ATMI Chief Executive Officer and President Doug
Neugold. “Our combined capabilities make us an even stronger partner for
our customers, as they look for innovation to support their objectives of
getting drugs to market more quickly and in the most efficient way.”
“Our customers obtain the immediate benefit of ATMI’s
global presence,”
said Jose Castillo, President of Artelis. “ATMI has
state-of-the-art manufacturing operations in both Europe and North
America, which is an important consideration for companies who
rely on suppliers for critical, single-use products. In addition, ATMI also has
project management, supply chain and quality assurance expertise, and
established distribution channels, which are demanded by customers.”
As part of the transaction, the Artelis executive team has
assumed new roles within ATMI LifeSciences. Additionally, researchers and
scientists on staff at Artelis will continue their cell culture research and
development as part of ATMI LifeSciences’ research and development team.
“Artelis represents a compelling strategic fit for us
and expands ATMI’s commitment to the life sciences market,” said Mario
Philips, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ATMI LifeSciences.
“While they’re still at an early stage from a commercial ramp standpoint,
their close collaboration with customers and world-class results in cell line
development and cell culture technology allow us to provide the
biopharmaceutical sector with the industry’s most comprehensive single-use
solutions and technical support.”
