Martek Acquired

Homegrown biotech success story, Martek Biosciences Corp, has been acquired by Royal DSM for a billion bucks. According to this story by Gus G. Sentementes in The Sun, yesterday “Martek was acquired for $1.1 billion by Dutch company Royal DSM, the world's largest producer of vitamins.”

“Martek beat the odds against life science companies, many of which spend years as money-losing research operations. It can take years to develop a marketable product and lure a larger, deep-pocketed buyer.”

Martek has been headquartered in the Columbia Business Center on Dobbin Road since the company started over twenty years ago. They have steadily expanded their presence in the business park with the most recent expansion taking place now.

“DSM officials said no significant job cuts are planned at Martek, which has 600 employees, one-third of whom are in Columbia. Both corporate boards approved the deal, which is expected to close in the first half of next year.”