The Smithers Group announced today the acquisition of Pira International. Pira is a leading provider of independent, knowledge-based information and testing services to clients in the packaging, paper and print industry and their supply chains.
Headquartered in Leatherhead, UK, Pira International was founded in 1930 and most recently was owned by BASF. Pira employs approximately 120 people at five facilities in the UK and the US.
“Pira represents a tremendous strategic fit for Smithers”, commented Michael Hochschwender, President and CEO of The Smithers Group. “We have long respected the Pira organization and we are excited about what this acquisition means for our clients in terms of the expanded service offerings they will see from both Smithers and Pira.” Mr. Hochschwender added.
Recognized globally for its information services, Pira provides strategic and technical consulting, intelligence and events to the packaging, paper and print industry supply chains. It helps business leaders world-wide make well informed market and technology decisions. Through the IntertechPira brand, it provides similar added-value insights to niche, emerging and high growth industries including lighting and displays, clean energy, home and personal care, industrial biotechnology, performance materials and chemicals. Many information services clients also participate in the eleven industry membership programs offered by Pira.
Pira’s testing services help clients in the packaging, paper and print industry and their supply chains throughout the product lifecycle to evaluate product performance and manage compliance. Expertise includes molecular migration, materials selection, packaging conversion and performance in distribution and use.
Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Viscient, Smithers Pharma Services, Smithers Rapra, Smithers Quality Assessments, iSmithers, and now Pira International and IntertechPira. Each Smithers Group company provides technology-based services focused on a defined market. As a group the diversity of market sectors and technologies provides stability and a platform for long term growth. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers goal is to add value throughout the life cycle of our clients’ products, by utilizing testing, consulting, information and compliance services. All Smithers companies are known by their clients as Trusted Providers of Innovative Solutions.