B. Braun Medical Acquires Dismed's Hand Sanitizer and Intravenous Fluid Businesses in South Africa

MELSUNGEN, Germany and JOHANNESBURG, July 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Commitment to growth and local manufacturing for the African healthcare sector  

On 30 June 2016, B. Braun Medical, the South African subsidiary of the German B. Braun Group, completed its acquisition of Dismed Pharmaceutical (Pty) Ltd and Dismed Criticare (Pty) Ltd, both out of business rescue.

With over 600 employees in South Africa, B. Braun specialises in the sales and logistics of medical devices, surgical instruments, consumables, pharmaceuticals and is one of the country's leading and fastest growing operators of dialysis clinics. In 2011, B. Braun Medical established its first local manufacturing site for medical devices in Knysna, Western Cape.

"The Dismed acquisitions support our mission of being a system supplier with a well-rounded portfolio of effective medical care solutions in South Africa", said B. Braun Medical's managing director, Jens Papperitz. "After resolving operational issues in both acquired businesses, we will be able to offer our public and private customers in Southern Africa the same level of excellence they have come to expect from us based on our other product portfolio we currently supply to them," added Papperitz.

With a triple digit million Rand spending for purchase price and subsequent investments into production equipment, B. Braun Medical ensures the continuing employment of all 120 staff at two manufacturing facilities in Gauteng.

This investment into the healthcare and manufacturing sector is also an indication of the confidence that the German business community has in the South African health sector. This relationship looks back on a healthy, longstanding trade relationship.

"Germany is the biggest foreign investor in South Africa within the European Union and is responsible for creating 90,000 direct jobs and another 90,000 indirect jobs," said Mr Matthias Boddenberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "That makes Germany a very important partner for South Africa. The good infrastructure, the political stability and the well-functioning legal system makes South Africa a good destination for investments in the African continent."

Scott Farrell, Chief Financial Officer of B. Braun Medical, adds: "We are grateful for the support from the various public authorities we engaged with during this complex transaction. Following our corporate claim "Sharing Expertise", we are fully committed to further developing both the skills of our employees and a stronger supplier network of BBBEE partners."

B. Braun is one of the world's leading manufacturers of medical devices and pharmaceutical products and services. With over 56,000 employees in 64 countries, B. Braun develops high quality products, systems and services for users around the world. In 2015, the Group generated sales of approximately €6.1 billion.

Contact:

Jens Papperitz
Managing Director
B. Braun Medical (Pty) Limited
Email: jens.papperitz@bbraun.com
Tel: +27-10-222-3005