Sigma-Aldrich Acquires Chinese Distributor, Expands in Shanghai

Sigma-Aldrich has increased its Shanghai operations and acquired Beijing Superior Chemicals and Instruments, the company said today.

The acquisition of Beijing Superior -- Sigma's main distributor in China with locations in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou -- will increase the number of Sigma employees in China almost 10-fold, to 87. Since 75 percent of Beijing Superior's $22 million in annual revenues result from Sigma products, the acquisition will not immediately impact Sigma's sales in China.

Sigma said it has also established a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise, called Sigma-Aldrich (Shanghai) Trading Company; expanded its administrative offices in Shanghai; and opened a leased transit warehouse in Shanghai.

The company's expansion in China follows that of PerkinElmer, which opened a new technology center in Shanghai in late February.

"We've enjoyed spectacular growth since opening our representative office in Shanghai in 2002," said Eric Green, Sigma's vice president of international sales and operations, in a company statement. "Our ability to now provide sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities locally holds great promise for continuing that rapid growth for years to come."

source from GenomeWeb News