BANGKOK, Thailand: In a recent acquisition spree, Henry Schein has bought a major share in dental products provider Accord from Bangkok. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the Thai company is expected to add US$15 million in sales to Schein’s global dental business and expand its position in the growing Asian dental markets.

In addition to its purchase of Accord, the world’s largest supplier of medical and dental products has bought Ortho Technologies, a provider of orthodontics supplies, to facilitate the growth of its orthodontics offering. In a third buy, Henry Schein also acquired medical laboratory service provider MLS in Bakersfield, California.

The partial takeover of Thailand’s largest dental dealer may come as a surprise for some, as Henry Schein had earlier announced that it was pursuing growth opportunities in Asia but mentioned expansion into India and China as its first priority. Chairman and CEO Stanley M. Bergman said in a statement that the latest acquisition of Accord will not only give his company the opportunity to establish its presence in the fifth largest dental market in Asia, but also serve as an anchor for further expansion into South-East Asia.

According to figures from the US Commercial Service in Bangkok, the heavily import-driven dental market in Thailand was estimated to be worth more than US$120 million in 2008.

Run by the Charnsethikul family since 1976, Accord currently distributes dental products, including well-known brands from global manufacturers like Shofu, Planmeca and the GC Corporation, to over 5,000 customers in Thailand. Through the acquisition, the family will still retain 25 per cent of its former business, while Henry Schein will hold the remaining 75 per cent, both companies said last week.

Henry Schein maintains other business operations in the Asia Pacific region through affiliates and subsidiaries in Australia (Henry Schein Halas) and New Zealand (Henry Schein Shalfoon). Since last year, the company has also distributed its dental portfolio through Aniam Biomedical to customers in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China.

Worldwide, Henry Schein operates in 26 markets with a focus on North America and Western Europe. Last year, the company reported record sales of US$8.5 billion through its medical, dental and veterinary businesses.