UPS acquires life sciences supply chain firm

The Atlanta, Ga.-based parcel giant has entered into an agreement to acquire Marken, a global provider of supply chain services to the life sciences industry.    Increasing its foothold in the healthcare logistics business, UPS has entered an agreement to acquire Marken, a global provider of supply chain services to the life sciences industry.
   The transaction is expected to close by Dec. 31, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, UPS said. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
   Pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations and contract manufacturers use Marken to collect and transport clinical trial material and investigation medicinal products to 49,000 clinical trial sites, as well as the shipment of biological samples from these sites to central laboratories.
   Marken has more than 650 employees with an “asset-light operating structure” and 44 locations worldwide, including 10 depots, UPS said.
   Wes Wheeler, chief executive officer of Marken, will continue to head Marken’s business, which will operate as a subsidiary of UPS.