Swiss company Max Zeller Söhne AG, a long-established developer and
producer of science-based phytomedicinal and botanical products,
announced in February that it has acquired the majority of shares of
VitaPlant AG. VitaPlant, also a Swiss company, is a leading developer
of botanical extracts (written communication from G. Boonen, e-mail,
February 26, 2008).
The merger is expected to enable both companies to offer an enhanced
spectrum of services from one source. No financial details concerning
the acquisition have been disclosed to the public, although it has been
announced that VitaPlant Founder Bernd Büter will remain CEO of
VitaPlant.
Zeller, which has remained a family-owned business for more than 140
years, produces its phytomedicines and products for markets in
Switzerland and abroad. Zeller’s most popular products are used for the
treatment of depression, sleep disorders, nervousness and anxiety, and
gastrointestinal disorders. Within the past several years, Zeller has
also introduced a line of products for the treatment of gynecological
complaints, including pre-menstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
Some of Zeller’s products include Alluna®, a popular, clinically-tested
hops-valerian (Humulus lupulus, Valeriana officinalis) extract combination marketed as a nighttime sleep aid, as well as a clinically-tested chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) extract for PMS, and a clinically-tested butterbur (Petasites hybridus) herb extract for allergic rhinitis, among others.
VitaPlant was founded in 1996, and its facilities include an
extensive laboratory infrastructure, greenhouses, growth chambers, and
experimental fields. VitaPlant engages in the bioassay-guided
development of innovative plant extracts and also offers its customers
the analysis, comparison and optimization of existing extracts based on
bioassay studies and extraction experiments. With regard to plant raw
material, VitaPlant offers the bioassay-guided breeding of medicinal
plant varieties and the controlled cultivation and processing of
medicinal plants. For the production of plant raw material, VitaPlant
has established a global network of selected growers with production
facilities in Asia, Latin and Central America, the United States,
Canada, South Africa, and Europe.
Terry Lemerond, president of EuroPharma Inc, formerly the US agent
for VitaPlant, recently provided the following comments concerning the
merger: “I think it is the perfect solution for Zeller going forward.
If nothing has changed at VitaPlant in the last two years, Zeller gains
a tremendous amount of research capabilities and the ability to capture
a variety of plants under cultivation, additional know-how, and current
research” (e-mail, February 26, 2007). He added, “VitaPlant is a
premier research company; they are extremely high quality individuals
and well-qualified to head a research pharma group.”
—Courtney Cavaliere |