Pfizer Animal Health buys Microtek International
Based in Victoria on Vancouver Island, Microtek has long been a supplier of products like the multivalent Advantigen® and Microvib, a vaccine that can be used by either injection or immersion. A recombinant vaccine against SRS is also among the company’s products, and Microtek has a facility for the production of custom-made, autogenous vaccines that is licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Pfizer had revenues of some US$ 2.8 billion (~€ 2.3 billion) last year.
The deal was announced through a release on Pfizer’s web site today (May 25), from which the following exerpts were obtained;
Pfizer Animal Health today announced its acquisition of Microtek International, Inc., a recognized innovator in aquaculture vaccines, R&D and healthcare diagnostic services. The acquisition further expands Pfizer’s commitment to a safe food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and, now, fish. Total global fish production – largely for human consumption – now exceeds that of pork, poultry, beef or dairy. Farmed fish production is becoming increasingly important in meeting global demand and is anticipated to account for 55% of total fish production by 2017, according to industry sources.
“The time is right for Pfizer Animal Health to enter the global market for aquaculture healthcare therapeutics,” said Juan Ramón 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. The meat, dairy, egg and fish products that people enjoy for healthy living begin with a healthy food animal.” William Kay, Ph.D., president and CEO, Microtek, who will continue to serve Pfizer in a consultant role, said, “Microtek not only brings to Pfizer Animal Health industry-leading vaccines and technology, but also complements Pfizer’s portfolio of health services and diagnostics for food animal production.”
Terms of Pfizer Animal Health’s acquisition of Microtek were not disclosed.
