Venlo, The Netherlands 11/28/11—QIAGEN has announced an effort to streamline its organizational structures that will result in an 8%–10% reduction in its 3,800-person workforce. Actions include the elimination of duplicate global, regional and local activities; the discontinuation of certain R&D programs in order to focus on high-growth areas; improved site utilization; and the expansion of shared service functions, including the outsourcing of certain non-core support activities. “Against a background of short-term challenges in both our business and the industry, we have initiated this project to work more efficiently and reallocate additional resources to these initiatives and prepare for future growth,” stated QIAGEN CEO Peer M. Schatz. “The emerging opportunities and the speed at which the environment has changed led us to accelerate these plans and take action.” The actions are expected to result in pre-tax savings of $50 million starting in 2012. The majority of savings are to be reinvested in areas of focus, including the company’s automation platform, the addition of content to test menus, and geographic expansion. The company expects to take a pre-tax restructuring charge of $70 million in the fourth quarter and $20 million during 2012.