case study

How MXP Empowered Leica With Data-driven Expense Decisions

Leica Microsystems is a global leader in microscopy and scientific instruments. With a legacy spanning over 175 years, the company supports breakthrough innovation across life sciences and diagnostics. When it came to managing expenses across their international operations, Leica Microsystems partnered with MXP by Mobilexpense.
Today, the company benefits from a centralised system that delivers transparency, compliance, and control, while simplifying life for both finance teams and employees worldwide.
Leica case study with Mobilexpense

Some context

Back in 2012, Leica Microsystems was still relying on an Excel-based process to manage travel and expense reimbursements, a common but increasingly outdated practice.
The lack of automation:

  • created inefficiencies
  • limited visibility
  • made compliance more difficult to manage across different countries and business units.

Michael Mullen, Director of Global Indirect Sourcing, became involved with MXP shortly after Leica restructured its internal operations, separating its life sciences and diagnostics divisions into Leica Microsystems (LMS) and Leica Biosystems (LBS).

The complexity of managing expenses across multiple legal structures and jurisdictions made it clear that a robust, centralised expense management solution was essential.

At one point, Leica evaluated alternative tools, but ultimately chose to stay with MXP due to its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and deep understanding of European regulatory complexity.

The solution

After assessing multiple options, Leica Microsystems reaffirmed its choice to continue with MXP. This was not just a cost-saving measure, but a strategic move to simplify operations and increase transparency.

MXP stood out for its ability to:

  • Handle the complexity of European expense regulations
  • Scale to match Leica’s global footprint
  • Support configuration flexibility across entities
  • Deliver a user-friendly experience for both admins and employees

Key reasons for choosing MXP

  1. European regulatory expertise
    MXP’s deep understanding of regional compliance needs—such as country-specific allowances, tax codes and tariff systems—was a
    key differentiator.

  2. Global scalability
    Leica operates in over 60 countries with more than 60 legal entities. MXP’s ability to support this scale—while accommodating local
    requirements—was vital.

  3. Flexibility and configuration
    The system allows for detailed customisation, which has enabled the indirect team to adapt it to Leica's evolving needs, including new
    company structures and acquisitions.

  4. Strong account management and support
    Despite some resource challenges during the COVID period, the support team at MXP has proven dedicated and responsive. Michael
    praised the long-standing partnership and highlighted the team's dedication to continuously improving the tool.

The results

Implementing MXP enabled Leica Microsystems to bring its expense management into the modern era:

  • Transparency: With detailed reporting, Leica can easily monitor key categories like hotel stays, car rentals, and allowances across all markets.
  • Compliance: Country-specific rules are built into the tool, supporting internal and legal policy adherence.
  • Data-driven decision-making: From spotting policy violations to comparing travel patterns across teams, MXP has empowered Leica with actionable insights.
  • User satisfaction: The tool is intuitive for employees and MXP continuously improves the product.
“The primary benefit lies in obtaining a consolidated overview of our global travel expenditure.”
Leica_Microsystems.svg
Michael Mullen

Director, Global Indirect Sourcing at Leica Microsystems

Key outcomes

  • Transparent view of global travel and expense data
  • Built-in compliance with diverse legal and tax requirements
  • Flexible configuration supporting post-acquisition changes
  • Strong user adoption and employee satisfaction
About the company

Leica Microsystems, a Danaher company, develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments that support critical
research in life sciences, medicine, and industry.

  • Operating in 60+ countries with 60+ legal entities
  • Founded 175 years ago
  • Customer of Mobilexpense since 2012
  • Industry: Life sciences and diagnostics
  • Key challenge: Unifying expense management across multiple legal entities and regions
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