27 Sep 2007
Thomson Acquires Prous Science
Acquisition to Expand Thomson Scientific’s Market-leading Portfolio of Chemistry and Drug Discovery Information Solutions
STAMFORD, Conn.
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.
The Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation
(www.thomson.com)
is a global leader in providing essential electronic workflow solutions
to business and professional customers. With operational
headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson provides value-added
information, software tools and applications to professionals in the
fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, scientific research
and healthcare. The Corporation’s common shares are listed
on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC).
Thomson Scientific is a business of The Thomson Corporation. Its information solutions assist professionals at every stage of research and development—from discovery to analysis to product development and distribution. Thomson Scientific information solutions can be found at scientific.thomson.com.
About Prous Science
For more than 40 years, Prous Science has been a trusted source of
information on which science depends to discover safer and more effective
medicines. The company's products have evolved through the years from print
journals to sophisticated electronic products incorporating the latest
advances in IT. The company has complemented its Drug discovery solutions
with a series of key partnerships to widen the dissemination of Medical
Education worldwide by fostering relationships with key Medical
Institutions and centers of excellence worldwide. For more
information about Prous Science, visit www.prous.com.
This news release includes forward-looking statements which are based
on certain assumptions and reflect The Thomson Corporation’s current
expectations. All forward-looking statements in this news release are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of
the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
current expectations include risks related to Thomson Scientific’s
ability to successfully integrate Prous Science, and actions of Thomson
Scientific’s competitors. Additional factors are discussed in the
Corporation’s materials filed with the securities regulatory
authorities in Canada and the United States from time to time, including
the Corporation’s latest annual information form, which is contained
in its most recently filed annual report on Form 40-F. The Corporation
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Contacts
Allison Hagan
Thomson Scientific
Tel +1 215 823 1881
Email
Frank Golden
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
The Thomson Corporation
Tel: +1 203 539 8470
Email