DURHAM, US: July 15, 2019. UPS pharma logistics subsidiary Marken is looking to expand its clinical trials activities with the acquisition of three specialist pharma companies in Europe - Italy-based HRTL plus HETO in Austria and Der Kurier in Hungary.

Together the group operates offices in Vienna, Milan, Rome, and Gyor, near Budapest, to deliver 7,000 clinical trial shipments per month. This brings Marken’s total network of sites to 51, including 10 GMP qualified clinical storage depots.

HRTL was founded in 2011 as a specialist courier serving the clinical trials industry. The group has since acquired its own licenses to operate in their respective countries and developed strong relationships with local providers, airlines and customs brokers. Each of the group’s locations are situated in close proximity to major airports to provide maximum flexibility for expediting time and temperature-sensitive shipments.

The acquisition will expand Marken's core clinical trials logistics opportunities in central and eastern Europe. The company says Italy, Hungary and Austria are important sources of drug manufacturing, particularly drugs that are manufactured in sterile format.

Sterile drug products are particularly sensitive and require specific temperature conditions during transport to ensure stability. Eastern and Central Europe are also important locations for recruitment of clinical trial patients and the acquisition strengthens Marken’s biologic sample services in the region.

Wes Wheeler, Marken’s CEO commented, “The acquisition of this group of companies is an extension of Marken’s growth and it satisfies our need for a physical presence in Italy, Austria and Hungary. Marken will quickly integrate these three new companies into the Marken network and provide a more robust operating presence in Europe. Our goal is always to provide best in class supply chain services and this acquisition makes us stronger. We welcome the three companies and their employees to our family.”