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Malvern Instruments Acquires Spectral Dimensions

PharmaManufacturing.com
07/21/2006

Malvern Instruments Ltd. (Malvern, UK), a leader in particle and rheological characterization systems, has acquired the assets of Spectral Dimensions, Inc. (Olney, Md.) a privately held company producing near infrared (NIR) chemical imaging instrumentation and software. Spectral Dimensions will cease trading and the organization will be integrated into Malvern’s U.S. subsidiary, Malvern Instruments Inc. (Southborough, Mass.). The chemical imaging development and applications teams will continue to operate from the former Spectral Dimensions facility in Maryland. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Spectral Dimensions leads the field in chemical imaging technology,” commented Paul Walker, managing director of Malvern Instruments. “The company has a strong team with a wealth of scientific and technical expertise, and has developed a suite of chemical imaging solutions. Its established customer base is primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. Here its systems are making a significant contribution to improving formulation and manufacturing processes, supporting manufacturers in achieving the goals set out as part of the FDA’s PAT initiative.”

He went on to add, “The pharmaceutical industry is a key market for Malvern Instruments. We work very closely with the industry to fully understand its needs, and our analytical instruments are developed to meet the stringent regulations to which this sector is subject. The addition of chemical imaging technology to our range means that we can extend the support that we provide, adding further value, particularly in the challenging areas of blending and tabletting, and providing synergy with our existing particle characterization systems.”

Spectral Dimensions’ founder and president, Dr. E. Neil Lewis, is a renowned expert in spectroscopy and imaging techniques. He is looking forward to capitalizing on the extended opportunities that will come from being part of an established global manufacturing, sales and marketing organization.

“Spectral Dimensions began operations in November 1998 in response to demands for new, powerful chemical imaging technologies,” he said. “Thanks to our high-caliber team, we have achieved the company’s original goal to develop, manufacture and market revolutionary products for improving the efficiency, understanding and profitability of pharmaceutical formulation and production. We have an exciting time ahead. Our chemical imaging solutions fit extremely well with Malvern’s established product range, and furthermore Malvern’s relationship with the pharmaceutical industry as a longstanding and trusted supplier will ensure continued growth and development in this field.”