Pfizer Animal Health has acquired British Columbia, Canada-based Microtek International, an innovator in aquaculture vaccines, R&D and healthcare diagnostic services. Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed.
"The time is right for Pfizer Animal Health to enter the global market for aquaculture healthcare therapeutics," says Juan Ramon Alaix, president, Pfizer Animal Health. "The integration of Microtek R&D into Pfizer Animal Health also will allow us to build a more diverse and innovative portfolio in biopharmaceuticals."
Pfizer Animal Health has been busy over the past few years, acquiring R&D and a product line-up from Vetnex Animal Health Limited in India; establishing Pfizer Animal Genetics in 2008; and enhancing its poultry health business by acquiring R&D and innovative in-ovo vaccination technology from Embrex in 2007. the company says in a statement.
Jan Burian, Microtek's VP of R&D and production, said in an interview that Microtek's employees are positive about the deal, according to the Vancouver Sun. He added that Microtek's 10 employees will likely keep their jobs for now, and that Pfizer intends to build new facilities on Vancouver Island. "It's positive, because our research and development program was always good but we didn't have the capital to get through. Now, with the financial power of Pfizer, we're hoping it's a step in a new direction."
- see the Pfizer release
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