Australian firm buys Swiss plasma laboratory
The Australian biopharmaceutical company CSL (Central Science Laboratory) is taking over the Central Laboratory of the Swiss Red Cross in Berne, in a deal worth at least SFr860 million.
CSL, based in Melbourne, has said that all 560 jobs will be maintained.
"If up to 2005 the results of the Central Laboratory develop according to the forecasts, the buying price will increase to SFr973 million," a statement from both parties said.
Founded in 1949 by the Swiss Red Cross, the central laboratory last year made a net profit of SFr10.8 million, up 12 per cent on the 1998 figure.
Among other activities, the Central Laboratory is active in the field of blood plasma.
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