Johnson Matthey has completed the acquisition of the worldwide business of Lancaster Synthesis Limited from Clariant AG. Lancaster is now part of the Alfa Aesar Research Chemicals business unit of Johnson Matthey. The Lancaster product line combines with the Alfa Aesar and Avocado brand lines to form a single source for nearly 30,000 research and fine chemicals. Lancaster joins an expanding Alfa Aesar business, employing chemists with a broad range of expertise in custom organic synthesis, catalysts, inorganics and metals. Many of the services and logistical operations of Lancaster will soon deploy new systems developed specifically to service customers in the research and fine chemicals field. "Lancaster Synthesis is an excellent fit with our existing Research Chemicals business," said Neil Carson, chief executive of Johnson Matthey. "The acquisition will allow the enlarged organization to offer a greatly enhanced range of products and services to customers of both organizations."

For more information, call (978) 521-6328, fax (978) 521-6350, e-mail pamela.poulin@alfa.com or visit http://www.alfa.com.