Advanstar Adds to Its Pharmaceutical Holdings

With the acquisition of the Institute of Validation Technology, Advanstar Communications will add two journals and 16 training conferences to its pharmaceutical-sector holdings.

Glenn Melvin, the institute's founder, and John Kirchner, vice president of conferences, will join Advanstar's pharmaceutical and science group once the acquisition closes. The purchase includes the Journal of Validation Technology and the Journal of GXP Compliance.

Bob Krakoff, Advanstar chairman, said in a statement that support from Advanstar's magazines should fuel growth of the 16 conferences being acquired.

Advanstar's pharmaceuticals group produces eight magazines. In years past, shows the division produced included the Applied Clinical Trials U.S. Conference & Tabletop Exhibition, the Applied Clinical Trials European Conference & Tabletop Exhibition, PharmTech Puerto Rico Conference & Exhibition, Pharmaceutical Management Forums and Contract Solutions Seminar. At press time, no upcoming dates for these shows had been released, but the company reported it was planning to organize the World Congress on Pharmaceutical Marketing.

Advanstar's pharmaceutical properties span the industry's development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing phases. "The IVT acquisition will enhance the portfolio, particularly in the manufacturing sector," Advanstar corporate communications manager Marc Merrill said.