With effect from July 1, 2002, Medipharm USA has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Medipharm AB in Sweden. Until now the American Triple "F" has held a 50% stake in the company.

"The aim of the transaction is ensure continued expansion in the US market for bacteria cultures, primarily with regard to food products", said Managing Director, Lennart Persson, Medipharm.

Established in 1983, Medipharm USA is located in Des Moines, Iowa and produces and markets bacteria cultures for mixed feed and silage additives in USA and Canada. Medipharm USA has an annual turnover of SEK 37 million.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Arla Foods, Medipharm develops microbiological products for food processing companies and agriculture. The Medipharm group has subsidiaries in USA, The Czech Republic and Hungary and last year achieved a turnover of SEK 112 million. This is expected to increase by 20% for the current year.