BioTek acquisition expands Agilent's cell-analysis footprint

Agilent has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-owned BioTek, a recognized global leader in design, manufacture and distribution of innovative life science instrumentation. Its comprehensive product line includes cell imaging systems, microplate readers, washers, dispensers, automated incubators and stackers.

The company is headquartered in Winooski, Vermont, USA, with nearly 500 employees and an extensive global presence including China, Europe and India.

"Agilent's acquisition of BioTek will enable us to provide our customers with more innovative and simplified data analysis and interpretation," said Todd Christian, vice president and general manager of the cell analysis division. "With our combined portfolios, we will be able to deliver a highly differentiated workflow that will enable customers to obtain deeper, more reliable insights from live cell samples faster than any other solution available."

Agilent and BioTek have been in partnership for more than a year, successfully unlocking value through our joint development of customer solutions. Together, we have developed a workflow that combines BioTek's plate-reader imaging capabilities with Agilent's unique Seahorse cell metabolism measurements from the same samples and single user-interface providing a deeper understanding of the cellular environment.

The acquisition is a strong strategic fit with Agilent on culture, values, global footprint and accelerates our multi-year growth strategy to expand our position in cell-analysis. It also expands our presence in biopharma, academia and research.

"Expanding our cell analysis footprint is a key strategic growth initiative," said Jacob Thaysen, president of Agilent's Life Sciences and Applied Markets Group. "Innovative approaches to cell analysis are driving market demand and leading to a better understanding of diseases and the discovery of potential therapeutics."

BioTek builds directly on the prior acquisitions of Seahorse (FY2015), Luxcel (FY2017) and ACEA (FY2019) to expand our cell analysis portfolio and gives us unique capabilities and workflows. The acquisition is another example of Agilent's forward-thinking, innovative approach to serving customers in a high-growth segment of the life-sciences market.

Agilent is acquiring BioTek for its strong growth profile. We are committed to continuing operations in Vermont and retaining the great team of people, both in Vermont and the field, that have been at the core of BioTek's 50-year history as a center of excellence and success.

The BioTek team will join Agilent as a standalone unit within the Cell Analysis Division, and the business will report directly to Todd Christian, vice president & general manager of the Cell Analysis Division. After the transaction closes, Todd will be moving to Vermont to facilitate a smooth integration and to identify further opportunities to work together in areas where we can add more value for customers through our newly combined capabilities.

"Agilent and BioTek share the same passion around delivering insights that help customers understand diseases and discover potential therapeutic solutions more efficiently and accurately," Todd said. "I believe this is a great opportunity and an important step toward enhancing our leadership in cell analysis and truly puts us in a differentiated and even stronger position."

Source: Agilent Technologies