Acquisition to Expand Thomson Scientific’s Market-leading Portfolio of Chemistry and Drug Discovery
Information Solutions
STAMFORD , Conn. - September 27, 2007 - The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), a leading
provider of information solutions to business and
professional customers worldwide, today announced
that it has acquired Prous Science, a global leader
in the provision of life sciences information solutions.
Prous Science will become part of Thomson Scientific.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Scientists worldwide rely on Prous Science information
solutions to enhance knowledge-based drug discovery
and development. Its well-known Prous Science Integrity® portal
provides access to more than 265,000 compounds with
demonstrated biological activity and close to 100,000
patent family records. Prous Science has worked closely
with its customers and partners to develop this highly
differentiated information offering tailored to the
needs of end user scientists.
In addition, Prous Science has developed strong
relationships with key global medical associations
and Centers of Excellence to maximize the reach of
medical knowledge to specialists worldwide.
“Prous Science has built a strong global brand
on its flagship solutions which have been built by
scientists for scientists,” said Vin Caraher,
President and CEO, Thomson Scientific. “This
acquisition really complements our Pharma & Biotechnology
workflow solution offerings. We look forward to working
closely with the Prous Science management team to
maximize synergies and add value for our customers.”
“Today’s announcement signals an excellent
opportunity to accelerate our product development
and innovation plan in the drug discovery space.
By combining the financial strength, creativity and
technology of Thomson with Prous Science, we will
further drive innovations that help scientists find
better solutions to their specific problems while
fostering the emergence of new ideas,” said
Dr. J.R. Prous, President and CEO, Prous Science.
Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, where the company’s
operations will remain, Prous Science serves key
strategic geographic areas including Europe, Japan,
North America and Latin America. Founded in 1958
by current President and CEO Dr. J.R. Prous, the
company has more than 180 employees. Prous Science
management and employees will become part of the
Pharmaceutical/Chemical business unit within Thomson
Scientific.
“Thomson Scientific, through its core products,
including Thomson Pharma, IDDB, Derwent
World Patents Index and Web of Science,
has particular strengths in patent, business intelligence
and investigational drug information,” said
Jon Brett-Harris, Executive Vice President of Pharma/Chem
Markets, Thomson Scientific. “The Prous Integrity
platform complements our portfolio offering by providing
unparalleled drug discovery content and unique analytic
functionality for chemists and biologists.”
“Our strong background in the life sciences
coupled with Thomson Scientific’s expertise
in intellectual property and competitive intelligence
equal a powerful value proposition for customers
of both companies,” added Dr. Josep Prous Jr.,
Executive Vice President, Prous Science.