Prionics acquires CEDI Diagnostics Strategic partnership with world-famous life science innovation centre
Zürich (ots)
Prionics announced the acquisition of CEDI-Diagnostics. The Dutch firm is a spin-off from the world-famous Wageningen University and Research Centre (Wageningen UR). Through the purchase of CEDI, Prionics will acquire a substantial number of new products and gain rights to commercialize developments made by the research centre. Prionics and Wageningen UR have additionally agreed on a strategic partnership for the development of future innovations in farm animal diagnostics.
With this acquisition, the successful Swiss company Prionics has accomplished several objectives. "We have acquired a firm with tests proven on the market and we gain access to future developments of a unique global research centre", says Dr Markus Moser, co-CEO of Prionics.
"The Animal Science Group of Wageningen UR, a recognized leader in the field of animal disease control, will contribute further potential for innovation to Prionics", comments Dr. Bruno Oesch, co-CEO and Head of Research & Development at Prionics AG.
The products made by CEDI include tests for the early diagnosis of foot and mouth disease or swine fever. "The CEDI products are excellent tests which make an ideal addition to our existing portfolio of farm animal diagnostics", says Ernst Zollinger, Head of Marketing & Sales at Prionics AG.
Terms of the agreement include that Wageningen UR will acquire a stake in Prionics. Further details are not disclosed.
About CEDI-Diagnostics
CEDI-Diagnostics is a globally active company in the field of farm animal diagnostics. The Dutch firm is a spin-off from the Animal Science Group of Wageningen University. CEDI Diagnostics supplies more than twenty products for the early detection of diseases in farm animals. The product portfolio includes tests for the diagnosis of BSE, foot and mouth disease, BVDV (Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus) and classical swine fever. With some 20 employees, the business, founded in 2001, serves customers in over 60 countries.
About Wageningen UR
Wageningen UR is a collaboration between Wageningen University, the Van Hall Larenstein School of Higher Professional Education and specialized research institutes in areas such as food and food production, plant, animal, environment and agricultural economics. With over 6000 employees and 9000 students, the business makes an active contribution to the resolution of scientific, social and economic problems in the life science sector. Wageningen UR works closely together with governments, institutions, companies and the general public. Within Wageningen UR, Wageningen Business Generator is responsible for the spin off companies and is positioned to manage and commercialize corporate intellectual property.
About Prionics
The world leader in the diagnosis of BSE and other prion diseases Prionics was founded in 1997 as a spin-off from Zurich University. At its headquarters in Zurich, Prionics develops and markets diagnostic products for the early diagnosis of farm animal diseases. The company places its main focus on diseases which are transmissible from animals to human beings and thereby contributing to an improvement to food safety. In October 2005 Prionics acquired Pfizer Animal Health's Diagnostic portfolio. The recipient of the Swiss Economic Award 2002 as "Company of the year" and winner of the European Biotech Award 2004 for Excellence in Biotech Business; Prionics is driving its business through a combination of outstanding research, high-quality products and innovative marketing solutions.
Contact:
Stephanie Musshafen
Director of Corporate Communications
Prionics AG
Tel. +41/44/200'20'95
Email: press.relations@prionics.ch
Internet: http://www.prionics.com
Bouke de Vos
Press Officer Wageningen UR
Tel. +31/317'480'180
Email: bouke.devos@wur.nl
For Information on CEDI and Wageningen UR please visit:
www.cedi-diagnostics.com and www.wbg.wur.nl