Avantor Expands in Eastern Europe
According to an Avantor spokesperson, POCH has approximately 340 employees. Asked about how Avantor plans to grow business, she told IBO, “Avantor’s strategy is to leverage POCH’s manufacturing footprint and established distribution channel to increase sales of its J.T.Baker brand of performance materials. Avantor will also provide significant financial and strategic resources to support growth within POCH’s established end-markets by supporting the development of a well-respected product portfolio.”
Phillipsburg, NJ 4/26/11—Laboratory chemical provider Avantor Performance Materials (formerly Mallinckrodt Baker) has agreed to acquire Polish lab chemical and equipment supplier POCH from Kulczyk Holding for an undisclosed amount. POCH manufactures products for use in instrument analysis, filtration and microbiology, including high-purity and anhydrous solvents. The company also sells lab equipment and lab glass products. “The transaction is part of Avantor’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the global market by growing both organically and through acquisition, expanding into new markets and geographies,” stated Avantor President and CEO Jean-Marc Gilson. “POCH fits this strategy because of its established and expansive manufacturing presence and distribution channel in Poland and Eastern Europe.” The sale is dependent on the clearance of the Polish competitive authority.
