Merck Acquires Dutch Liquid Crystal Windows Specialist

With effect from July 1, German chemical and pharmaceutical producer Merck KGaA acquired all of the capital of its long-standing cooperation partner, Dutch start-up Peer+ for an undisclosed sum.

The company specializes in smart window technology.

Merck said it is leveraging its expertise as global market leader in liquid crystals to develop new fields of application for its technology beyond the traditional displays market.

The major innovation of liquid crystal windows, the Darmstadt group said, is that they can continuously switch from light to dark in just seconds. The optimally controlled light and temperature management can thus decisively improve the energy efficiency of a building, opening new architectural perspectives.

Merck and Peer have been cooperating closely since 2011 to develop a market-ready product and production concept for liquid crystal windows. In 2012, Merck acquired 70% of the Dutch company.

In future, Merck plans to concentrate R&D activity for liquid crystal window technology at the Peer+ site in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, where that company already has a small test facility focused on integrating the concept into industrial settings.

The first pilot projects are planned to start up in 2015.

Free Virtual Event

Vaccine Manufacturing
Bioprocess Forum

Vaccine Manufacturing

Join global experts and innovators for a two-day virtual event exploring the latest breakthroughs and best practices in vaccine manufacturing. Discover how new technologies and process innovations are shaping the future of vaccine production, safety, and scalability.

Whitepaper

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
Setting the Standard

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Distribution and The Critical Role of Good Distribution Practice (GDP)

Are you ready to elevate your pharmaceutical operations? Download our exclusive whitepaper and discover how compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is essential for the safety and integrity of pharmaceuticals.

most read

Photo
13.03.2025 • News

Roche and Zealand Pharma Collaborate on Weight Management Drug

Swiss pharma heavyweight Roche announced has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Denmark’s Zealand Pharma. Under the terms of this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to co-develop and co-commercialize petrelintide, Zealand Pharma’s amylin analog as a standalone therapy as well as a fixed-dose combination with Roche’s lead incretin asset CT-388.

Photo
19.03.2025 • News

Arkema Launches Acrylic Acid Purification Project

Arkema has announced the launch of its Carat Project at its Carling site in France. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities and sustainability of the facility, which specializes in producing acrylic monomers and superabsorbent polymers.