VWR International: Synergy in Action
In 1908, Braun merged with two of his trusted employees Gustave Knecht and Richard Heiman to form Braun-Knecht-Heiman (B-K-H), which produced scientific equipment. Heiman outlived Braun and Knecht and steered the company through the World War II era and its wild economy.
George Van Waters and Nat Rogers, two Seattle entrepreneurs, had been B-K-H distributors since 1930. Their main business was buying and selling naval supplies, paints, raw materials and cotton linters. The duo acquired companies, including half ownership of Scientific Supplies Co. of Seattle. In 1956, Heiman, who had outlived his partner, retired and sold the company to Van Waters and Rogers.
Denny Hatch is the author of six books on marketing and four novels, and is a direct marketing writer, designer and consultant. His latest book is “Write Everything Right!” Visit him at dennyhatch.com.
