Ciba acquires Pira International

By Patrick Raleigh, ERJ On-line news editor

Basel, Switzerland-Ciba Specialty Chemicals on 15 March acquired Pira International, a Leatherhead, UK-based consultancy, publisher and conference organiser serving the packaging, paper, printing and publishing industries.

Pira is to join the Swiss group's Ciba Expert Services unit, which offers technical support in areas such as colour, environmental, regulatory, safety, testing and educational services.

The 140-employee UK firm will help Ciba “serve the entire value chain for customers and clients in the packaging, paper, printing and publishing industries,” said Armin Meyer, Ciba chairman and CEO, in a press statement.

“Pira International has in depth, global expertise and knowledge. Becoming part of the Ciba organisation offers us the opportunity to fully utilize this knowledge and new opportunities for growth across all our products and services,” added Mike Hancock, Pira's managing director.