Clinical trial logistics company and UPS Healthcare subsidiary Marken has announced plans to acquire the medical courier business of Cedra Express, a New Zealand-based transportation and logistics provider serving the life science and pharmaceutical segment.
This acquisition is intended to expand UPS’s healthcare logistics capabilities in New Zealand. The medical courier business of Cedra Express will become Marken New Zealand, with operations in Christchurch and Auckland. Marken has had a partnership with Cedra Express since it was founded in 2001 by Graham Tappin, who will support this transition of the medical courier business from Cedra Express to Marken New Zealand.
Ariette van Strien, president of Marken, said, “With this new direct presence in New Zealand, Marken will be able to expand its service offerings to the local clinical trial client base, including our patient-centric solutions such as home healthcare and direct to/from patient services.”
Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, said, “We are excited to reach agreement to acquire this New Zealand-based business, which will help position Marken as the preferred partner for innovative clinical trial and cell and gene supply chain logistics solutions throughout the biopharma and healthcare landscape. We welcome the expertise and capabilities this brings to UPS Healthcare and Marken, helping to serve customers’ complex, global needs. We thank Graham for his years of dedicated support to Marken and look forward to continuing to serve customers across New Zealand.”