TEL AVIV, Israel - Representatives of the German firm MWG Biotech AG met this week and last with a dozen start-ups and incubators, looking to establish business relations in Israel.

Thomas Becker, the Ebersberg company's chief financial officer, said, "The first meetings left us very impressed. We're seeking new markets for our products, as well as new products, applications, ideas and even manufacturing technologies that will strengthen our genome product portfolio."

David Smith, international sales director for MWG Biotech, noted that "everything is still at the preliminary stage. Different companies came to us with different goals; some are ready to distribute their products in Germany. We're very open to all ideas and offers."

MWG Biotech, founded in 1990 as a biochemical manufacturing and supply company, began supplying genomic research products and services in 1996, and is a leading maker of nucleotides in Europe.

Becker explained that success requires more than a good product, but also timing and finding the right marketing niche, as well as keeping track of the budget. - Rachelle H.B. Fishman