As IBO detailed in the July 15 issue, analytical instrument and lab product firms are pursuing more direct sales opportunities in developing markets through new subsidiaries and offices. Five firms `recently announced similar expansions.

In September, Life Technologies celebrated the opening of a Customer Experience Center in Moscow, Russia—its first demonstration laboratory facility in the country. The Center is a partnership with Khimexpert, a Life distributor.

Also in Europe, colorimeter manufacturer Datacolor announced the establishment this summer of direct operations in Turkey. The sales and service facility is operated by the company’s partners in the country and will serve customers in industries such as textiles, apparel, pigments and plastics.

Quantachrome, a provider of materials characterization instrumentation, announced this summer that it has established an Indian office in Mumbai. The operation assumed the duties of distributor Blue Star.

Last month, Agilent Technologies agreed to acquire assets from ABC Instrumentación (ABCIA), its Mexican distributor. Based in Mexico City, ABCIA has distributed Agilent analytical instrument products since 1986. Thirty of ABCIA’s employees are expected to join Agilent.

Mexico City is also the location of a new Malvern Instruments office. Opened in August, the office offers pre- and after- sales support.