Straumann targets Italian growth with BIO buy
This article was originally published in Clinica
Swiss dental products maker Straumann is to acquire BIO, its exclusive distributor in Italy. The Waldenburg-based specialist in dental implants and tissue regeneration products says the takeover of Milan-based BIO will help it "unlock further potential in the Italian market".
BIO's 30-person business, which operates through a network of sales agents, focuses primarily on Straumann's products. Straumann says that while the existing operations are "excellently run" and have grown strongly, its own scale and resources should enable further sales expansion.
BIO's CEO, Simo Beraha, will continue to run the business under the title of country manager, while Mirella Beraha will continue as head of marketing.
Italy is Straumann's second largest European market after Germany. The group reported total sales of SwFr344m ($296m) in 2003, and net income of SwFr80m.