Gerresheimer Group Acquires European Market Leader for Medical Plastic Systems

Following the acquisition of Wilden, the Gerresheimer Group will in future comprise the four divisions of Tubular Glass, Moulded Glass, Life Science Research und Plastic Systems.

06/01/07 A key chapter is added to the growth story of the Gerresheimer Group. In the German company Wilden AG, Gerresheimer acquires the European market leader for pharmaceutical drug-delivery systems based on plastic. “This marks a giant step in our strategy to generate sustained growth through the acquisition of technology and market leaders in the field of pharma packaging and systems. Through the purchase which brings around €240m of additional annual sales, Gerresheimer grows into a new order of magnitude“, says Gerresheimer CEO Dr. Axel Herberg.

In Wilden, Gerresheimer acquires the market and technology leader for innovative plastic systems. The business comprises the divisions of “Medical Plastic Systems” (pharmaceutics, diagnostics, medical technology and consumer healthcare) and “Technical Plastic Systems”. The product segment of Medical Plastic Systems accounts for two thirds of the total sales of €240m. The Technical Plastic Systems Division manufactures sophisticated injection-moulded products mainly for the automobile industry.

The company has eight production plants and four joint ventures with a total of more than 2,300 employees. The main focus of marketing is on Europe; in addition, Wilden is active in the USA, Mexico, China and the United Arab Emirates.

“Through the takeover of Wilden we have acquired the market, quality and technology leader in all its product segments, which are characterised by highly dynamic growth,” Herberg comments on the acquisition, adding with regard to the Gerresheimer Group: “This is a quantum leap for us. Our pharma business in plastic thereby grows into a new order of magnitude which gives us a completely new positioning towards our customers.” Hans Wilden, who has run the family business together with his brother Bert, comments: “In Gerresheimer we have found a globally active and highly competitive partner with which the company will develop outstandingly well.”

For pharma products such as inhalation systems, Wilden has for many years been an important and recognised development partner for the worldwide pharmaceutics industry. In addition, the company has a particularly good performance record in the field of products for diabetes diagnosis. It has a longstanding customer base among globally active pharma and healthcare groups. Thanks to its advanced technical expertise Wilden enjoys an excellent reputation among its customers for quality, innovation and reliability and is one of the leading full-service providers from product development through to tool manufacture and series production.

Following the acquisition of Wilden, the Gerresheimer Group will in future comprise the four divisions of Tubular Glass, Moulded Glass, Life Science Research und Plastic Systems. The Group’s sales volume will grow to more than €900m. “Whether in North America, Europe or Asia we will in future have leading market positions in all the business sectors in which we are represented,” Herberg stresses. High technical entry barriers will in future secure this competitive position, he adds.

For around a year now the Gerresheimer Group has been making its presence felt through targeted acquisitions. In the USA, Europe and China, a series of market-leader companies have been acquired in order to expand the Gerresheimer product portfolio and establish a wider international base. Three quarters of sales are already achieved with pharma/life-science customers.

As a result of the purchase of Wilden AG the Gerresheimer Group will in future have more than 31 production plants in America, Europe and Asia with a worldwide total of 8,500 employees.