3M Acquires Food Diagnostics AS
Acquisition Brings 3M Closer to Microbiology Industry Customers in Norway
ST. PAUL, Minn.--3M announced today that it has acquired Food Diagnostics AS, a provider of food diagnostics products and services for the food safety industry in Norway. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
As a distributor of 3M Petrifilm Plate products in Norway, Food Diagnostics and 3M have enjoyed a working relationship for several years. "The acquisition of Food Diagnostics allows 3M to more directly serve the food processor and contract labs in Norway," said Lars Hanseid, managing director, 3M Norway. "Enhancing our direct presence in the food safety market in Europe demonstrates our ongoing dedication to this important growing market of microbiology," added Bill Cruise, director 3M Health Care Business, Europe.
The global food industry is continuously seeking improvements to its food safety efforts to ensure customer health. As a long-time provider of microbiological testing products, including 12 variations of the 3M Petrifilm Plate used by global food processors to detect specific organisms in food, 3M integrates detection systems, antimicrobial products and quality monitoring systems to improve the performance of laboratories of global food suppliers.
"3M will help us to grow by building on our strong foundation and expertise to further develop our offering to the microbiology and food safety industry," said Joe Heidenreich, owner and chairman, Food Diagnostics. "Together, 3M and Food Diagnostics will help food processors provide healthy and safe food," added Francine Savage, general manager, 3M Food Safety Department.
Food Diagnostics is based in Oslo, Norway and employs five people.
About Food Diagnostics AS
Food Diagnostics is a technical sales and marketing service provider/ distributor to the Food Processing industry in Norway. It is well known for its speed to the market and technical know-how. Food Diagnostics employs five people and is located in Oslo, Norway.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
Contacts, 3M
Media Contacts:
Donna Fleming Runyon,
651-736-7646
or
3M Norway
Viggo Nybraaten,
+47 63847162
or
Investor Contacts:
Matt Ginter,
651-733-8206
or
Bruce Jermeland,
651-733-1807
