United Drug plc recently announced it has reached an agreement to acquire the UK and US clinical services businesses (combined Bilcare Global Clinical Supplies or Bilcare GCS) from Bilcare Limited for a total consideration of $61 million. The acquisition is expected to complete on August 31, 2012, subject to the fulfilment of usual closing conditions. As part of this agreement, Bilcare Limited will retain its clinical supplies business in Asia. The acquired business forms part of the Global Clinical Supplies division of Bilcare Limited. With facilities in Phoenixville, PA, and Crickhowell, Wales, the acquired business employs 195 people.
“The Bilcare acquisition is another very important step in the development of United Drug as we focus on margin expanding, international opportunities,” said Liam FitzGerald, Chief Executive of United Drug. “This business fits well alongside our existing packaging businesses in the US and Europe and will position us as a leading provider of services in the growing clinical trials materials market. Along with the recent Watermeadow and Pharmexx acquisitions, this transaction extends United Drug’s position and reputation as an international provider of outsourced services to life sciences companies with an unrivalled service offering.”
Listed on the Stock Exchanges in London and Dublin, United Drug is a leading international provider of services to healthcare manufacturers and pharmaceutical retailers, with operations in over 20 countries including: the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the USA. For more information, visit www.united-drug.com.
