The Dutch chemical and pharmaceutical group DSM (turnover EUR 8 bn in 2001) has bought the vitamin and fine chemicals division of the Swiss giant ROCHE for EUR 2.25 bn (annual turnover of 29.2 bn in SFr in 2001). This sector has a turnover of SFr 3.5 bn and employs 7500. With insufficient roots in the vitamin market, DSM will as a result of this important merger become the number one player in the world.