Peaks of Interest

Sigma-Aldrich buys Pharmorphix

Sigma-Aldrich Corp. (St. Louis, Missouri) has acquired Pharmorphix, Ltd. (Cambridge, United Kingdom) that offers solid-form research services to pharmaceutical and biotech markets. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The company said that the addition of Pharmorphix will broaden its manufacturing services customer base and enhance technology offerings for existing customers.

The company said that Pharmorphix, which had sales of about $5 million in the past 12 months, would not have a material impact on its sales. Pharmorphix is expected to be neutral to mildly accretive to earnings in 2006, with no initial charges.

Airgas acquires Aeriform

Airgas, Inc. (Radnor, Pennsylvania) announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Aeriform Corporation (Houston, Texas), an independent distributor with 29 locations in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The operations to be acquired have about 240 employees and annual sales of approximately $65 million. About 58% of its revenue comes from gas and rent.

Airgas will integrate most of the operations into three of its regional companies: Airgas Southwest will integrate 14 sites in Texas, including locations near Houston, Victoria, El Paso, and Lubbock. Airgas Gulf States will integrate seven sites in southern Louisiana and east Texas. Airgas Mid South will integrate two sites in Kansas, and four sites in Oklahoma, and two locations in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Airgas will offer employment to most of the 240 employees of Aeriform affected by the acquisition.

Pittcon launches new web site for 2007

The Pittsburgh Conference (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) announced the launch of a redesigned web site for Pittcon 2007 (http://www.pittcon.org) with improved navigation enabling direct access to key information about the conference and expo and an improved appearance and design. The web site relays vital information to Pittcon conferees, exhibitors, and media representatives.

Other improvements to the site include an enhanced media center and the addition of an international travel section, a much requested photo gallery, brand manual, and a glossary of terms. The new site will be updated continually as new information regarding Pittcon 2007 becomes available.