Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) announced it is expanding its life sciences business with two strategic
acquisitions. Halo Genomics, a provider of innovative technology for the
rapidly growing next-generation DNA sequencing market, has now joined Agilent.
In addition, Agilent has signed a definitive acquisition agreement with
BioSystem Development, a company that creates and manufactures solutions to
meet the analytical needs of the life sciences industry.
Both companies are privately held.
Financial details were not disclosed.
"Life science is the growth engine
for Agilent, and these acquisitions are strategically very important,"
said Nick Roelofs, president of Agilent's Life Sciences Group. "We're
getting world-class technology and expertise in two key areas that will help us
expand our portfolio and deliver the most complete workflow solutions for our
customers."
The acquisition of Halo, based in
Uppsala, Sweden, is now final. The asset acquisition of BioSystem Development,
headquartered in Madison, Wis., is expected to be completed by the end of the
calendar year, subject to customary closing conditions.
Halo Genomics Simplifies Resequencing
Halo Genomics' technology addresses
sequence-selective (or "target enrichment") sample preparation in
next-generation sequencing. The company's proprietary HaloPlex technology
combines the speed and specificity of polymerase chain reaction-based systems
with the scalability and capture-size flexibility of solution-based
hybridization formats, thus eliminating the need for library preparation. This
fast and simplified target enrichment solution for next-generation sequencing
helps to remove bottlenecks associated with targeted resequencing without the use
of expensive, dedicated instrumentation or laborious protocols.
Halo Genomics' current HaloPlex
technology is offered as a customizable product, using a Web-based design tool
called Web Design Wizard. This highly intuitive tool enables users to create designs
in less than 10 minutes, at no charge.
Agilent's market-leading SureSelect target enrichment platform was
the first commercial in-solution target enrichment offering launched in the
market. It has grown to a wide portfolio of products, from all-exon kits to
custom designs and preset panels. With its high performance and flexibility,
SureSelect has become the most commonly cited target enrichment tool in the
market. HaloPlex technology complements SureSelect by providing a
high-performance solution for small capture sizes, at a speed that specifically
addresses the needs of the desktop sequencing market and clinical sequencing
space.
"Halo Genomics' unique technology
and talented R&D team will expand Agilent's solutions for emerging
sequencing applications and accelerate our entry into the rapidly growing
next-gen clinical sequencing market," said Gustavo Salem, vice president
and general manager of Agilent's Biological Systems Division within the Life
Sciences Group. "This acquisition further builds upon Agilent's position
as a leader in genomics."
"Joining Agilent is a win-win
situation for Halo employees and our valued customers," said Olle
Ericsson, former CEO and founder of Halo Genomics. "With Halo's innovative
technology and Agilent's market-leading products and long history of quality
and service, we look forward to offering our customers an expanded portfolio of
solutions to meet their needs."
For more information about Halo
Genomics technology and services, visit www.halogenomics.com.
BioSystem Development Addresses
Evolving Sample-Prep Needs for Drug Development
BioSystem Development currently
supplies Agilent's Automation Solutions business with AssayMAP cartridges used
in conjunction with Agilent's Bravo liquid-handling platform for protein
purification and characterization workflows. The Agilent Bravo automated
liquid-handling platform and BioSystem Development's AssayMap technology
combine high throughput and best-in-class automated liquid handling with
AssayMAP microchromatography technology to enable true chromatographic
separation with precision flow control.
"We are excited about bringing
BioSystem Development, a valued partner, into Agilent," said Fred
Strohmeier, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Liquid Phase Analysis
Division within the company's Life Sciences Group. "BioSystem
Development's innovative and versatile microchromatography technology, and the
team's applications expertise, will help Agilent expand its capabilities as a
sample-prep provider for the life sciences market."
As life science discovery and
development continues to move toward a better understanding of biological
responses to disease, the need for high-throughput, quality protein sample
preparation and analysis becomes even more critical. BioSystem Development's
AssayMAP platform, based on disposable microchromatography cartridges, enables
high-throughput protein purification, characterization and analysis solutions
for bioprocess development, biomarker identification and analysis, as well as a
variety of other life science research applications. The enabling AssayMAP
technology, combined with Agilent's automated liquid-handling capabilities,
reduces drug discovery and development time and increases lab efficiency.
"As an industry leader in providing
innovative automation solutions, we are very excited to join the Agilent
family," said Scott Fulton, CEO of BioSystem Development. "We look
forward to leveraging Agilent's global reach, research and development arm, and
diversified product portfolio to expand and improve our solutions."
For more information about BioSystem
Development, go to www.biosystemdevelopment.com.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700
employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues
of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.