Bosch signed agreements to acquire Hüttlin GmbH and Manesty Ltd., subsidiaries of OYSTAR Holding GmbH. Hüttlin, based in Schopfheim, Germany, produces specialist drying and granulation equipment, from powder to the production of pharmaceuticals. Manesty, based in Knowsley, near Liverpool, UK, specializes in tablet presses and coaters. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In 2010, the two companies generated sales of 49 million euros, with the majority of sales in Europe. Hüttlin employs 80 people in Germany and Manesty has 110 associates in Great Britain.

“The two companies are important stepping stones in the expansion of pharmaceuticals process technology at Bosch,” said Friedbert Klefenz, president of the Bosch Packaging Technology division. “They support the strategic alignment of the division by complementing the upstream value-added chain. This is a further step toward expanding the division to become a full-service provider. This move complements our primary packaging portfolio.”

“In selling Hüttlin and Manesty, OYSTAR is continuing its strategic focus on the primary and secondary packaging business,” said Tom Graf, the chairman of the board of management of the OYSTAR Group. “At the same time, having Bosch as their new owner equips our subsidiaries Hüttlin GmbH and Manesty well for the future. The companies can work together to extend their activities in the area of pharmaceuticals process technology, and successfully continue their growth course.”