WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fermentas International Inc. – a manufacturer and global distributor of enzymes, reagents and kits for molecular and cellular biology research – for $260 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. With headquarters in Burlington, Ontario, and principal operations in Vilnius, Lithuania, Fermentas has approximately 500 employees. The company had full-year revenues of approximately CAD $57 million in 2009 (approximately USD $54 million).
Fermentas provides a broad range of high-quality molecular and cellular biology research tools, including reagents for nucleic-acid and protein purification; restriction and modifying enzymes; molecular weight markers and other life science research and diagnostic tools. The company also offers a variety of products for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), which will strengthen Thermo Fisher’s existing PCR portfolio.
“With Fermentas, we are better-positioned to meet the demands of molecular and cell biologists for complete workflows that can accelerate their research and improve results,” said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The addition of Fermentas, our recent acquisition of Finnzymes and the launch of our new Solaris qPCR assays create a unique combination of products and expertise that enables us to strengthen our depth of capabilities in the high-growth PCR market, including research and PCR-based testing.”
Dr. Viktoras Butkus, chairman and chief executive officer of Fermentas, said, “We are extremely pleased with the organization we have created at Fermentas and are proud of our consistent track record of delivering high-quality molecular biology products with compelling value for our customers. Thermo Fisher Scientific is the global leader in the life sciences industry, and joining such a highly respected company will create many attractive opportunities for our customers and employees.”
Fermentas will be integrated into Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Analytical Technologies Segment. The transaction, which is subject to applicable regulatory approvals, is expected to close during the third quarter of 2010. The company does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on its 2010 financial results.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO - News) is the world leader in serving science. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of more than $10 billion, we have approximately 35,000 employees and serve customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as in environmental and process control industries. We create value for our key stakeholders through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, which offer a unique combination of continuous technology development and the most convenient purchasing options. Our products and services help accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, and solve analytical challenges ranging from complex research to routine testing to field applications. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
The following constitutes a “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2010, under the caption “Risk Factors,” which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available in the “Investors” section of our Website under the heading “SEC Filings.” Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties relating to: competition and its effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; the need to develop new products and adapt to significant technological change; implementation of strategies for improving internal growth; general worldwide economic conditions and related uncertainties; dependence on customers’ capital spending policies and government funding policies; the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on international operations; use and protection of intellectual property; the effect of changes in governmental regulations; the effect of laws and regulations governing government contracts; the effect of competing with certain of our customers and suppliers; and the effect of healthcare reform legislation. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change and, therefore, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to today.
Contact:
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Media Contact Information: Ron O’Brien, 781-622-1242 ron.obrien@thermofisher.com or Investor Contact Information: Ken Apicerno, 781-622-1294 ken.apicerno@thermofisher.com www.thermofisher.com