IDT Biologika announced the acquisition of Gallant Custom Laboratories, based in Cambridge, Ont., the only Canadian company authorized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to manufacture viral and bacterial vaccines.

The transaction is to close Aug. 31.

"With its strong scientific focus, in-house research and development and production of autogenous vaccines for the Canadian market, Gallant is an outstanding match for the IDT Group," IDT Biologika chief executive officer Dr. Ralf Pfirmann said. "With this second acquisition in North America within just a few months, IDT Biologika is highlighting its expanding commitment to meeting the vaccine manufacturing needs in these key international markets."

Gallant serves customers throughout Canada, particularly to those who provide vaccines to the Canadian livestock and poultry industry. The company relies on modern in-house diagnostic laboratory facilities to identify viral and bacterial diseases in pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and poultry, and to subsequently manufacture and supply the appropriate autogenous vaccines corresponding to specific pathogens out of its manufacturing facilities in Ontario.

Gallant presently employs 12 people, and will continue to do business as "Gallant Customs Laboratories, an IDT Biologika company."

Jackie Gallant, a microbiologist who founded the company 20 years ago, will retain her title as President of Gallant Customs Laboratories and serve in the role of Senior Executive Manager. In addition, she will sit on the IDT Scientific Advisory Board.

IDT Biologika is a privately-held life science company with more than 93 years history and expertise in research, development and manufacturing of biologics for the global protection of human and animal health. Headquartered in Dessau-Rosslau, Germany, the company holds an additional animal health vaccine dedicated R&D and Manufacturing location in Greifswald — district Riems. In Denmark, the Netherlands, France and Spain, IDT's Animal Health Business Unit operates through its own subsidiaries.

In its recently acquired U.S. manufacturing facility in Rockville, Md., IDT Biologika GmbH primarily works on vaccine development for clinical phase 1 and 2 projects and provides early development capabilities for the human vaccine market.