UPS Buys Marken to Boost Health Care Services
UPS Inc. reached an agreement to purchase Marken, a supply chain logistics provider to the health care and biosciences industries, the company announced on Nov. 7.
If approved by regulators, UPS would become a player in the transportation of clinical trial material and medicines to 49,000 sites in the United States as well as the shipment of biological samples to laboratories, both of which are often time- and temperature-sensitive. Marken has more than 650 employees at 44 locations worldwide, assisting in all phases of the clinical trials process, according to a press release.
“We are excited to join the UPS organization,” said Wes Wheeler, Marken CEO, who will continue to lead the Marken business, which will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. “UPS’s capabilities, particularly in mature markets, will provide many opportunities for us to enhance our service offerings in clinical trials logistics.
“UPS is focused on the logistics complexity of clinical trials, and the acquisition fits well into our long-term growth plans in the biopharma segment,” said Teresa Finley, UPS chief marketing and business services officer.
The company added that its network already includes temperature-sensitive storage and transportation, 24-hour monitoring and security. It has more than 100 healthcare-dedicated facilities with 60 locations that meet good manufacturing standards.
UPS said the deal could get approval before the end of the year. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Atlanta-based carrier ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
