Mergers and Acquisitions

* On October 7, 2013, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, a global supplier for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, has made a cash offer to acquire the UK company TAP Biosystems Group plc (TAP Biosystems) through its wholly owned subsidiary Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH. The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of TAP’s shareholders, values the equity of TAP Biosystems at approximately €33 million. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close at the end of 2013.

TAP Biosystems specializes in the design and development of small-scale, multi-parallel fermentation systems particularly for biopharmaceutical applications. With its ambr®-product family, the company has launched a novel platform technology for single-use fermentation that is designed to mimic mammalian cell culture at small scale, a highly innovative alternative to conventional systems. TAP Biosystem’s portfolio also includes automated cell processing systems and other bench top equipment. Founded in 1987, the company is headquartered in Royston, UK, and has a sales and support facility near Wilmington, Delaware, USA. TAP Biosystems generated sales revenue of approx. €26 million in 2012/13 and employs about 160 people worldwide.