Optel Group, in supply chain traceability, is expanding its expertize and global reach with the recent acquisition of the track-and-trace unit of the Körber Business Area Pharma, formerly known as Traxeed, based in Germany. Körber is a leading international technology group.
The acquisition, announced, will allow Optel to leverage the unit’s expertize in pharmaceutical and agrochemical track-and-trace technologies, provide the company with a second foothold in the European marketplace and contribute to its diversification plans.
“Creating a strong presence in the German market is key to the success of our strategic objectives because Germany is a well-established manufacturing hub, with a strong history of developing innovative manufacturing efficiency solutions and Industry 4.0 technologies,” said Louis Roy, founder and president of Optel.
“We are pleased that we have found a solid and future-oriented new owner with broad international market access, from whose global network and years of experience in the highly specialized track-and-trace sector customers will clearly benefit. We are furthermore convinced that the new strategic owner can open up attractive development opportunities for the team,” said Dr Jürgen Krebs, chief technology officer and chief operating officer in the Körber Business Area Pharma.
The acquisition allows Optel to welcome highly skilled pharma track-and-trace experts from Körber, complementing Optel’s existing strengths in traceability, vision technologies, software and hardware. Furthermore, it will solidify and expand the company’s presence in the European market by providing a second base of operations after Limerick, Ireland.
In addition to the acquisition, a close collaboration between Optel and Körber’s Business Area Pharma is planned for the future. The two companies plan to sign a partnership agreement whereby Optel becomes Körber’s preferred partner for track-and-trace solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.
Since its founding in 1989, Optel has become the world’s foremost provider of track-and-trace solutions to the pharmaceutical industry. Its acquisitions in recent years have positioned it as the only company with the ability to provide complete, full-stack supply chain traceability. The Canadian multinational has since diversified into other industries, including consumer-packaged goods, metals and minerals, and agrochemicals. The acquisition of the track-and-trace unit of the Körber Business Area Pharma (formerly known as Traxeed) is expected to accelerate further expansion.
