Missouri-based biochemicals and organic chemicals manufacturer Sigma-Aldrich has acquired Santiago-based Sigal Ltda, its primary distributor in Chile, and established Sigma-Aldrich Quimica Ltda to provide a foundation for future growth in the country.

The company said the acquisition expands Sigma-Aldrich’s presence in the Republic of Chile to directly serve research and manufacturing customers throughout the country.

Sigma-Aldrich's expansion of operations in Chile is part of the company's strategic plan to accelerate growth in Canada, Asia Pacific and Latin America (CAPLA) to 25% of corporate sales by 2010.

In line with this strategy, in October 2008 Sigma-Aldrich established a representative office in Vietnam to serve the country's expanding research and manufacturing sectors.