Company Announcements

Bruker opened its expanded applications and technology demonstration lab in Yokohama, Japan, in February. The lab is co-located with Bruker’s R&D and manufacturing facility for X-ray analysis systems. Bruker has close to ¥10 billion ($107 million) in revenue in Japan and almost 150 employees in the country.

Scottish Enterprise reported in February that Life Technologies plans to buy a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Renfrewshire. The company currently employs 400 at its European headquarters in Renfrewshire.

Techcomp reported a 23.1% increase in 2008 sales to $81.0 million (see IBO 3/31/09). The People’s Republic of China accounted for 83% of sales. Currency changes were responsible for a one-time foreign exchange loss of $1.6 million. Gross profit rose 9.2% to $24.2 million, but gross profit margin declined to 29.8%.

PAC, a Roper Industries company, and Metrohm USA announced a partnership serving the biofuels industry.

Metrohm AG agreed to distribute Sartorius AG Mechatronics’ laboratory products in Switzerland.

PerkinElmer opened a Center of Excellence for life science researchers in Singapore in March.

Beckman Coulter’s 2008 Life Sciences revenues increased 6.1%, 4.3% in constant currency, to $507.0 million (see IBO 3/15/09), led by sales of centrifuges and automation products. Internationally, Life Sciences sales rose 6.4%, 3.2% in constant currency, including 8.2% growth in Asia Pacific. In the fourth quarter, Life Sciences sales declined 7.6%, 3.7% in constant currency, to $146.0 million.

In 2008, Sartorius AG revenues declined 1.6% to €611.6 million ($899.4 million = €0.68 = 1) (see IBO 3/15/09). Mechatronics sales declined 0.5%, but rose 1.8% in constant currencies, to €245.6 million ($361.2 million). Division sales rose 4.8% in Asia Pacific, fell 2.3% in North America and, in constant currency, rose 1.6% in Europe. Segment EBITDA was €17.1 million ($25.1 million), down from €21.3 million ($42.9 million = €0.73 = $1) in 2007. Mechatronics sales are expected to decline in 2009. Biotechnology sales fell 2.6%, but grew 0.2% in constant currencies, to €366.0 million ($538.2 million). North American sales fell 6.6%, Asia Pacific sales were flat, while European sales rose 3.8%. EBITDA for the division was €39.7 million ($58.3 million), compared to €49.7 million ($68.1 million) in 2007. Biotechnology sales are expected to increase in 2009.

Sigma-Aldrich revenues grew 7.9% in 2008 to $2,200.7 million (see IBO 3/31/09), with price increases adding 2% and currency adding 2.7% to growth. Sales of Research Essentials grew 7.7% , including a 2.8% benefit from currency, to 19% of revenues. Sales of Research Specialties rose 9.4% , with 3.0% growth from currency, to 37% of sales. Research Biotech revenue increased 10.0%, including 3.0% growth from currency, to 15% of revenues. SAFC sales rose 5.2%, with a 2.0% currency benefit. The US accounted for 36% of total sales. Web-based sales represented 42% of Research-based revenue. In 2009, total revenues are expected to grow in the low single digits.