Posted by Rita Mu
Nestlé has acquired a US gastrointestinal diagnostics company for its Health Science division.
The San Diego-based company, Prometheus Laboratories Inc, focuses on conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Nestlé Health Science President and Chief Executive Luis Cantarell said the acquisition was a strategic move for the company into the personalised health care business.
“Prometheus’s leading edge diagnostics and highly experienced medical sales representatives together constitute a robust platform for Nestlé Health Science to accelerate its current and future healthcare business,” Cantarell said. “It will enable new personalised healthcare solutions based on diagnostics, pharma and nutrition.”
Nestlé’s Health Science division was officially launched on 1 January 2011 to pioneer a new industry between food and pharmaceuticals.
About 500 employees of Prometheus will join Nestlé Health Science as a result of the acquisition. Prometheus’s annualised sales are expected to be around USD 250 million in 2012.
The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Image: nestle.com