Wacker acquires manufacturing assets and expertise from Bio Med Sciences

To expand its expertise and business in silicone-coated healthcare products, German chemical company Wacker has acquired the manufacturing assets and know-how of U.S.-based Bio Med Sciences. The company said that as part of the acquisition, most of Bio Med Sciences' employees will also transfer to Wacker. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Wacker said that with this transaction, its expertise in the fully integrated development and production of silicone-coated adhesive products has been enhanced. Silicones are best-in-class adhesive solutions due to their unparalleled skin compatibility and adjustable adhesive properties. Wacker said that the market for skin fixation of medical patches and medical devices has been growing in popularity over the years.

"With the acquisition of Bio Med Sciences' assets, technologies and expertise, we are now a solution provider for the healthcare industry. We can better support and align customers in the healthcare sector who are looking for innovative adhesive coating solutions. This new business perfectly complements our existing silicone gel adhesive solutions for medical and aesthetic applications," commented Christian Kirsten, member of the Wacker board of directors.

Wacker also plans to use the acquired technology as an innovative development platform for skin-fitting applications such as wearable medical devices and scar care. With these new assets and the existing silicone portfolio, the company can now provide processing advice and technical services to coaters and product designers. In addition, customers will have access to new silicone adhesive coating products through contract manufacturing.

The acquired assets and a majority of the employees will be incorporated into a new legal entity called Wacker Silicone Manufactured Innovations (WSMI). This entity will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Wacker Chemical Corporation and will be headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Existing consumer products and related brands will remain with BioMed Sciences and are not part of the acquisition.