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SCHOTT to strengthen its presence in South America

Acquisition of the pharmaceutical packaging business from Medical Glass and DIESCA in Argentina

Mainz (Germany) / Buenos Aires (Argentina), July 8, 2009 - SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging has strengthened its presence in South America by taking over the business from Medical Glass S.A., the market leader in Argentina, as well as DIESCA S.A. Effective immediately, both companies will begin trading under the new name SCHOTT Envases Argentina S.A.

The acquisition of the packaging business from Medical Glass S.A. and DIESCA S.A. in Buenos Aires (Argentina) enables SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging to extend its position as a leading supplier to the pharmaceutical industry in South America even further and continue on its path to global growth and quality leadership.

Based in Ramos Mejìa, Buenos Aires, Medical Glass S.A. manufactures ampoules and vials and is the market leader in Argentina. DIESCA S. A. is also based in Buenos Aires and focuses mainly on producing ampoules.

For years, SCHOTT has been supplying DIESCA in particular with high quality “Fiolax” specialized glass tubing for use in manufacturing ampoules.

Both companies will begin trading under the name SCHOTT Envases Argentina S.A. immediately. Furthermore, SCHOTT will be retaining all of their employees.

“In taking this step, we will be gaining access to Argentina as an important growth market,” says Juergen Buhr, Director of SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging in South America. “At the same time, this will open up opportunities for us in other South American markets, as well,” he adds.

The combination of the company’s local market experience, access to customers, and technological know-how makes SCHOTT a strong partner for the Argentinean pharmaceutical industry.

 

Primary packaging is of great importance to the pharmaceutical industry. The goal is to protect medications against contamination, UV radiation and high humidity while these are being stored and transported. For this reason, consistently high chemical stability, processing quality and purity are required in order to preserve the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceuticals for extended periods.

According to a study conducted by Espicom Business Intelligence in June of 2008, total sales of pharmaceuticals in South and Central America are estimated to be worth 50 billion U.S. dollars. By 2013, average annual market growth of 9.9 percent is projected. With a 12 percent market share, Argentina is the third largest sales market behind Brazil and Mexico.

For further information: www.schott.com/pharmaceutical_systems

Acquisition of the pharmaceutical packaging business from Medical Glass and DIESCA in Argentina

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SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging and SCHOTT AG

SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging is one of the world’s leading suppliers of parenteral packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. More than 500 production lines at 12 production sites worldwide produce 7 billion syringes, vials, ampoules, cartridges and special articles made of tubing glass or polymer. Excellent raw materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing, the use of the latest technologies and continuous research and development enable the company to develop innovative product solutions that meet the high demands of its customers. The back-up possibilities offered by production sites situated all over the world provide flexibility, reliability and security to its partners. All production sites of the Business Segment SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging operate in a GMP environment and the products comply with the international standards USP, EP and JP. SCHOTT is an international technology group that sees its core purpose as the lasting improvement of living and working conditions. To this end, the company has been developing special materials, components and systems for 125 years. The main areas of focus are the household appliances industry, pharmaceuticals, solar energy, electronics, optics and the automotive industry. The SCHOTT Group is present in close proximity to its customers with production and sales companies in all its major markets. The Group’s approximately 17,300 employees generated worldwide sales of approximately 2.2 billion Euros in the fiscal year 2007/2008. The company’s technological and economic expertise is closely linked with its social and ecological responsibility. The SCHOTT AG is an affiliate of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (Foundation).