Schein Expands Further into Europe

It's a new year, but Melville, NY-based medical, dental and veterinary conglomerate Henry Schein is staying true to its old dealmaking ways. Last week it acquired Langen, Germany-based Euro Dental Holding GmbH. The group includes Krugg S.p.A., an Italian distributor of dental products, which will provide Henry Schein entree into Europe's second largest dental market.

Euro Dental Holding includes DentalMV GmbH, which has a direct marketing dental distribution business that will enhance Henry Schein's existing European direct marketing capabilities. The acquisition will complement its 2003 acquisition of Hager Dental, a German full-service dental distributor.

EDH Group recorded net sales of approximately EUR 400 million for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, with approximately 65% of those sales occurring in Germany, 14% in Italy, 12% in Austria, and 9% in the Benelux countries.