Agilent Sells Microscopy Business
Agilent told IBO: “Given the global recession and recent reorganization at Agilent, the company has been carefully examining its business portfolio. Further investment in digital light microscopy is not aligned with Agilent’s long-term strategic direction for its Electronic Measurement business.” The company maintains its atomic force microscopy and nanoindentor businesses as part of its Electronic Measurement unit.
Munich, Germany 7/1/09; Munich, Germany 7/1/09—Agilent Technologies has sold the assets of TILL Photonics GmbH, a provider of fluorescence microscopes, to a German consortium. The consortium is led by TOPTICA Photonics AG, a manufacturer and distributor of diode lasers, fiber lasers and laser systems for scientific and industrial applications. The consortium also includes Frank Lison, vice president of R&D at TOPTICA and TILL’s new CEO, as well as Dr. Rainer Uhl, TILL’s founder and previous owner. Financial terms were not disclosed. “Advanced optical and fluorescence techniques are indispensable tools for gaining better insight into structure and function of live cells in culture and tissue. TILL’s fluorescence microscopy solutions can be ideally combined with laser solutions,” stated Dr. Uhl. TILL will operate independently. Agilent Bio-Analytical Measurement (BAM) acquired TILL Photonics last year (see IBO 3/15/08).