EMD Millipore, the life science division of Merck of Darmstadt, Germany, has decided to acquire Biochrom, a cell culture media specialist of Berlin, Germany. The closing price was not disclosed.

Biochrom employs 60 employees and had 2011 sales of approximately $16.3 million. The acquisition will strengthen EMD Millipore’s process solutions business unit, which provides products, services and solutions that simplify production complexity for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Biochrom’s cell-culture media products are highly complementary, adding liquid cell-culture media and buffers including serum-free products and disposable packaging solutions to the existing portfolio.

 “With Biochrom we have a great opportunity to deliver an expanded portfolio of cell-culture media products to our global customers and address a growing demand for ready-to-use liquid solutions that drive safety and efficiency in the development and manufacture of clinical and commercial drug materials,” said Robert Yates, head of the EMD Millipore division.

Dr. Bernd Frenzel, CEO of Biochrom, added, “EMD Millipore is the ideal partner for Biochrom. With EMD Millipore we will be able to leverage their industry relationships and global footprint to reach more customers and offer a more comprehensive portfolio of media and buffers."

EMD Millipore will maintain Biochrom’s operations in Berlin. Closing of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2012.