Company Announcements

In July, Shimadzu established the 672 m2 SSI Innovation Center at its US subsidiary in Maryland to foster more joint research and collaborative projects with customers. The 26-employee Center consists of the Strategic Collaboration Development Group, Research and Development Group and Application Development Group. A $20 million investment is planned over the next five years. The firm plans to establish similar centers in other regions, including an MS center in Beijing, China, by the end of the year.

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments named Katsuaki Kaito as president in July. He previously served as general manager of the Analytical and Measuring (AM) Instruments plant. He replaces Shuzo Maruyama, who was promoted to general manager of the AM Division.

Strand Life Sciences named Scott A. Storrer as CEO in July. He was previously president of North America. Former CEO Dr. Vijay Chandru will remain chairman.

Rangatira Investments acquired a 70% share in Bio-Strategy, an Australasian distributor of lab instruments and automation technology products for the clinical diagnostics, life science and applied sectors.

Pfizer inaugurated its Center of Excellence in Precision Medicine in Chile, a joint effort with the Chilean government. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a technology partner and invested $3 million in its first project with the Center.

Thermo Fisher Scientific announced on its July earnings call that Peter M. Wilver, former CFO (see IBO 4/15/15), now serves in the newly created position of executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

GE Healthcare announced on its second quarter conference call that Life Sciences organic revenue grew 8% and highlighted the bioprocess business.

In July, Illumina named Sanjay Chikarmane as senior vice president and general manager of its Enterprise Informatics business. He has more than 20 years of experience in enterprise software companies, including HP, BEA Systems and, most recently, SAP.

Neogen fiscal 2015 sales ending May 31 climbed 14.4%, 8% organically, to $283.1 million (see page 12). Acquisitions contributed 6.9% to revenue growth, while currency lowered growth by 1.5%. Growth was driven by service revenue, which rose 26.7% to account for 12% of revenues. Food Safety and Animal Safety sales expanded 10% and 6% organically to account for 46% and 54% of revenues, respectively. International sales grew 11.8% excluding currency to make up 37% of revenues, led by growth in Europe and China. The company projected double-digits organic sales growth for fiscal 2016.

Sartorius announced in July that it paid €30.6 million ($34 million) to acquire BioOutsource (see IBO 4/30/15).

QIAGEN announced in July that Brad Crutchfield was named senior vice president, head of the Life Science Business Area and member of the Executive Committee. He previously served as vice president and general manager, EMEA, at Illumina.