Sigma-Aldrich acquires Research Organics

Sigma-Aldrich has acquired all outstanding shares of Cleveland-based company Research Organics to expand its buffer production capacity and to increase its portfolio of PharmaGrade raw materials for the biopharmaceutical and diagnostic markets.

Founded in the 1950s, Research Organics was a pioneer in manufacturing zwitterionic biological buffers and developing the HEPES buffer as an industry standard. A supplier of high-purity biochemicals for use in molecular biology, diagnostics, cell culture, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, life sciences and biotechnology, the company will transition into SAFC, the custom manufacturing and services business unit of Sigma-Aldrich.

“Research Organics is an important addition to our pharmaceutical-grade portfolio of raw materials for the biopharmaceutical industry,” said Gilles Cottier, Executive Vice President, Sigma-Aldrich, and President, SAFC.

“This acquisition is an outstanding complement to our existing raw materials portfolio and will help us provide more innovative solutions for some of our customers’ toughest supply challenges. It will also enable us to provide SAFC’s customers with true dual sourcing of buffers from two of the world’s leading manufacturing sites.”

“Joining Sigma-Aldrich is positive for Research Organics, our employees, customers and the city of Cleveland,” said Rob Sternfeld, President of Research Organics. “The acquisition provides the resources to expand the growth of our business, to enhance our product line and to upgrade our facilities to meet ever-changing industry requirements.”

Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Sigma-Aldrich expects this acquisition to be neutral to earnings per share in 2012.