SGS Acquires Biosafety Provider

SGS has acquired Vitrology Ltd., a biopharma contract testing organization based in Glasgow, UK. Vitrology has 38 employees with sales agents in North America and Asia, and had sales of more than $4.5 million in 2011.
 
Vitrology provides a comprehensive range of biosafety services such as: virology, cell and molecular biology, as well as microbiology and electron microscopy. The company also offers a range of validated assays and develops new services in the following areas: cell bank and virus seeds characterization, raw material and bulk harvest testing, final product testing for residual DNA, regulatory and safety consultancy services, and custom development of assays.
 
“Building upon our biologic therapeutics strategy, this acquisition complements the services provided by SGS. We are now among the top global players. It creates an ideal platform for further deployment in virology and molecular biology activities, to be leveraged within our global network,” said Chris Kirk, chief executive officer of SGS.
 
“This is an exciting opportunity to provide a full-service offer across Europe, Americas and Asia focused on biologics and vaccines, and enhances SGS’s current portfolio in bioanalysis, cell-based and immunoassays, quality control and Phase I to IV clinical trial services” said Margaret Temple, chief executive officer of Vitrology.