SteriPack Group, a global medical device, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic market contract manufacturer, yesterday announced the acquisition of Kinneir Dufort (KD), a user-centered design and product development firm.

The addition of the Bristol, United Kingdom-based company will grow SteriPack’s global footprint and capabilities creating a European R&D Centre of Excellence.

“The addition of KD geographically expands our design, development, electrical/software engineering, human factors research, [and] engineering capabilities creating a European R&D Centre of Excellence, with approximately 90 talented and dedicated staff members,” a representative for SteriPack told MD+DI.

Additionally, the acquisition expands the company’s expert staff in medical device and life science product design, creating a more streamlined customer process from product origination through volume manufacturing, according to SteriPack.

“This acquisition of KD results in SteriPack now having over 150 specialist staff dedicated to medical device and life science product design and development, providing an integrated and holistic pathway from product origination through to design for manufacture, with seamless transition to volume manufacturing, leveraging SteriPack’s existing manufacturing operations across the North American, European, and the Asia Pacific regions,” according to the company representative.

Merle Hall, Kinneir Dufort’s CEO, added, in a press release announcing the deal, “By joining the SteriPack Group, we are able to accelerate KD's journey, creating new opportunities for both our team and our business by increasing our expertise and, through our work, making a difference to an expanded client base. We're delighted to be joining forces with a business that shares our culture, values and purpose."

The monetary value of the deal was not disclosed in the press release. Additionally, the date at which the deal will close has not yet been reported.