AKRON (Dec. 2, 2010)—Smithers Group Inc. has purchased Pira International, a provider of knowledge-based information and testing services to firms in the packaging, paper and print industries, and their supply chains.
Smithers bought Leatherhead, England-based Pira from BASF Corp., which acquired Pira as part of its 2009 purchase of Ciba Specialty Chemicals. Pira employs about 120 people at five facilities in the United Kingdom and the U.S.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Smithers said its services help clients throughout the product lifecycle to evaluate product performance and manage compliance. Expertise includes molecular migration, materials selection, packaging conversion and performance in distribution and use.
Through its IntertechPira brand, the firm provides similar services to such niche and high-growth industries as lighting and displays, clean energy, home and personal care, industrial biotechnology, performance materials and chemicals.
“We have long respected the Pira organization and we are excited about what this acquisition means for our clients in terms of the expanded service offerings they will see from both Smithers and Pira,” said Michael Hochschwender, Smithers Group president and CEO.