Crumlin-based BBI Group, a leading independent provider of immuno-diagnostic reagents and contract services, has announced the acquisition of a supplier of autoimmune antigen products based in Germany.

The acquisition of Diarect and its recombinant autoimmune antigen capability enhances BBI’s portfolio and position as a ‘complete’ immunoassay reagent supplier.

BBI, which has manufacturing sites and sales offices across four continents, will integrate Diarect's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Germany, to establish a centre of excellence for recombinant antigen development and manufacturing.

BBI Group chief executive officer Mario Gualano said: “The acquisition immediately enhances our portfolio and positions BBI as a ‘complete’ immunoassay reagent supplier and therefore a natural partner for our customers.”

The combined capability enables BBI to further service high growth disease segments such as cancer, cardiac conditions and diabetes, while also enabling BBI to drive geographic expansion for Diarect, which will benefit from a bigger sales force.

Heinz Haubruck, CEO and co-founding shareholder of Diarect, said: “The combined research and development capability will provide our customers with new, innovative products. This and the expansion of our product portfolio will offer our customers a more comprehensive range of products.”