Phenomenex seeks expansion with two acquisitions in Europe.

TORRANCE, Calif.—Looking to expand its European Union market presence and strengthen its brand identity, Phenomenex Inc. is acquiring what it calls two "successful, customer-focused distributors in chromatography consumables": Bologna, Italy-based Chemtek Analytica S.R.L., a subsidiary of Labservice Analytica S.R.L., and privatelyheld SupWare, headquartered in Hilleroed, Denmark. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Phenomenex has had long, successful partnerships with these companies, so buying them represents a natural progression for us," says Fasha Mahjoor, founder and CEO of Phenomenex. "They understand our focus on constant innovation and unyielding drive to maintain our position as the technology leader in chromatography. Both share with us a commitment to stay close to the customer. As members of the growing Phenomenex family, they will play an indispensable role in building a cohesive, unifying, worldwide brand presence."

Phenomenex calls itself "a technology pioneer" in research and manufacturing chromatography products used in the separation, analysis and purification of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and a broad spectrum of chemicals. The privately held company already has offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand, and sells its products through a network of partners and distributors in 59 other countries. The company's projected 2007 sales exceed $110 million and it employs 465 people.

Plans call for both companies to assume the Phenomenex corporate identity. In Italy, the company will be called Phenomenex S.R.L. In Denmark, the company will be known as Phenomenex ApS.

"The pace of technology innovations in chromatography products is astounding today," says Else Togo, general manager of Phenomenex ApS. "We have had a long partnership with Phenomenex, and we know its commitment to new product development is second to none. With important customers in life sciences, chemical, biotech, and food and beverage, demand for Phenomenex's products in Denmark covers the spectrum of chromatography consumables. Providing our customers with a direct pipeline will give us a strong competitive edge."

The transition process is expected to be "brief and seamless," and there are no plans for layoffs or other reductions in staffing. In fact, the teams of both organizations will remain unchanged and each company anticipates staff expansions in the second quarter.

"Phenomenex has a reputation for leading its peers each year with double digit financial gains, and these strategic acquisitions position us favorably for future growth," says Bert G. Rietveld, director of business development for Phenomenex. "Being responsive to the needs of our customers in the European Union is critical to our success. That is why these acquisitions are investments in our future."