Fisher Scientific International Inc.Fisher Scientific International Inc.
2002 Annual ReportLetter to ShareholdersFisher At A GlanceQ & ALeadershipCorporate Information
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How do acquisitions factor into the company’s growth strategy?
Since 1991, we have successfully acquired and integrated 33 businesses. We have utilized our acquisitions to expand into related markets, build on our capabilities, and add to our product and service portfolio. These acquisitions include:
Curtin Matheson Scientific, 1995 – The purchase of this leading provider of diagnostic products added to our position in the U.S. clinical-laboratory market and enhanced our manufacturing capabilities.
Bioblock Scientific, 1998 – A leading French distributor of scientific and laboratory instrumentation, it was one of 13 international acquisitions, primarily in western Europe and Asia, which helped to create the global infrastructure we have today.
Covance Pharmaceutical Packaging Services, 2001 – The foundation of Fisher Clinical Services extended new services to existing customers engaged in drug discovery. It also added pharmaceutical packaging, labeling and distribution services to our portfolio.
Cole-Parmer Instrument Company, 2001 – A global manufacturer of fluid-management systems and instruments, Cole-Parmer expanded our self-manufactured product portfolio and added to our distribution capabilities.
Safety Equipment Company, 2001 – Tampa, Florida-based SEC fit nicely with our already strong safety business. SEC strengthened our presence with the military and municipal governments and enhanced our offering to the domestic-preparedness market.

In 2002, we completed three acquisitions: Retsch and Emergo, a Netherlands distributor of scientific instruments, equipment and supplies, which strengthened our position in northern Europe; and Maybridge and Mimotopes, which complement our chemical product offering for drug discovery.
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