The European Investment Bank (EIB) is granting B. Braun Melsungen AG (BBM) a loan of up to EUR 125 million to expand its research infrastructure and develop innovative pharmaceutical products and production processes over the period 2008 – 2010. Facilities including a central laboratory and pharmaceutical clean rooms will be built at the firm’s headquarters in Melsungen (Hessen). This research and investment expenditure will further strengthen BBM’s position in the infusion therapy segment and upgrade the company’s main production site.

The EIB contributes to the financing of research and investment projects in order to foster competitiveness and employment in the north Hessen region and strengthen the innovativeness of EU firms.

Note to editors:

As the EU’s financing institution, the European Investment Bank furthers the Union’s economic and political aims, including boosting the international competitiveness of European firms by strengthening their research, development and innovation capabilities. Of total EIB loans in the EU Member States worth EUR 41.4 billion in 2007, EUR 10.3 billion or 25% went to projects in the fields of education, RDI and Information and Communication Technologies. In Germany, which is home to numerous hidden champions, the EIB particularly focuses on financing such projects (EUR 3 billion or 70% of total loans worth EUR 6.5 billion in 2007).

B. Braun Melsungen AG is a cutting-edge international supplier of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies to hospitals. Through constant diversification and the development of innovative medical systems the company has built a strong competitive advantage. BBM has more than 35 000 employees worldwide, including over 10 000 in Germany.