Sterigenics International LLC, a Deerfield, Ill.-based provider of contract sterilization, gamma technologies and medical isotopes, has acquired Gammarad, an Italian gamma sterilization provider.

Gammarad, established in 1969 and located in Bologna, Italy, provides gamma irradiation sterilization services for the biomedical, pharmaceutical, food packaging, and cosmetics industries.

“With over 4 million cubic feet of processing capability, this is an important piece to the Sterigenics strategy to continue to expand our global footprint and market position as the leading solutions based provider in contract sterilization,” said Philip Macnabb, president of Sterigenics. “With this second Gamma irradiation site in Western Europe, Sterigenics can now offer redundancy to our current customers as well as those of Gammarad."

The Gammarad acquisition follows an active year of expansion for Sterigenics.

In March, Sterigenics acquired Food Technology Service Inc., and in August bought medical technology sterilization firm, Nordion Inc.

“In addition to these strategic acquisitions, Sterigenics has committed more than $32 million in growth capital to expand existing facilities across the Americas and Europe,” said Michael Mulhern, CEO of Sterigenics. “Our continuing desire is to invest in the future of Sterigenics, building a growth oriented company and building upon our global leadership position.”

Sterigenics operates out of 43 facilities across the Americas, Europe and Asia. It is owned by GTCR is a Chicago, Ill.-based private equity firm focused on investing in growth companies in the financial services, technology, healthcare and information services industries.