Ciba is strengthening Ciba® Expert Services with
the acquisition of Pira International, a leading supplier of business
solutions to the packaging, paper, printing and publishing
industries. This is complementary to Ciba's current expert services'
offer, which provides color, environmental, regulatory, safety,
testing and educational services, as well as technical know-how to
support specific business areas.
Armin Meyer, Chairman and CEO of Ciba, outlines
the advantages of the purchase of Pira International. "This is a
focused transaction that fits well with our strategy of building our
core competencies and our opportunities for profitable growth. The
acquisition of Pira International offers immediate benefits in
broadening the Ciba® Expert Services offering. Together we are
creating a global service platform that has the expertise and
experience to support and serve the entire value chain for customers
and clients in the packaging, paper, printing and publishing
industries. We are convinced that this transaction offers great
benefits to the customers of both businesses."
Pira International, which employs 140 people, has worked with the
packaging, paper, printing and publishing industries for over 70
years from its base in Leatherhead, UK. It provides strategic and
technical consultancy and services with major publishing and
conference activities.
"Pira International has in depth, global expertise and knowledge,"
says Mike Hancock, Managing Director of Pira International and now a
member of the management team of the Ciba's Expert Services Unit,
headed by Adrian Knott. "Becoming part of the Ciba organization
offers us the opportunity to fully utilize this knowledge and new
opportunities for growth across all our products and services. "
The change of share ownership was legally completed on March 15, 2004
and Pira International will continue trading under that name as "A
provider of Ciba® Expert Services".
Ciba (SWX: CIBN, NYSE: CSB) is a leading company
dedicated to producing high-value effects for its customers'
products. Our specialty chemicals, added in small quantities, enhance
the performance, look and feel of the final product. Business success
is driven by our long-term strategy of innovation and continuous
operational improvements. Ciba brings new and creative thought to the
processes and products of our customers in more than 120 countries.
Ciba generated sales of around CHF 6.6 billion in 2003 and CHF 281
million was spent on R&D to foster innovation across the Company.
Source: Ciba