Hygiene specialist bought by company

QUAT-CHEM, the Newbold-based hygiene products specialist, has been acquired by Nasdaq-listed Neogen Corporation.

With 20 years’ experience in nitrogenbased chemistry, Sandfield Industrial Park-based Quat-Chem is an international supplier of industrial hygiene solutions to the agriculture, dairy farming, food processing and healthcare sectors, and has a substantial presence in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, South East Asia and the Far East.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Michigan, it has expanded internationally and now employs more than 1,000 people across the world.

Dr Rubinah Chowdhary, Quat-Chem’s scientific director, said: “Quat-Chem’s product development activities and its manufacturing capabilities in Europe provide a complementary fit to Neogen’s strategy of expanding its biosecurity business.

“The importance of biosecurity is internationally recognised as critical to safe-guarding livestock health and food safety. The demand for safe, performance-tested disinfection products offers considerable potential, with Neogen’s expertise in biosecurity and its global reach, we feel Quat-Chem and its products are in good hands.”

Jason Lilly, Neogen’s vice president of corporate development, added: “Quat-Chem’s broad line of products, chemical manufacturing facilities, personnel and existing business made the company an attractive acquisition opportunity for Neogen.”

Commercial law firm Brabners and business advisory firm DTE advised on the deal.