Company Announcements

In January, IKA promoted Refika Bilgic to CEO of US-based IKA Works.

PerkinElmer acquired Vanadis Diagnostics, a developer of a solution for NIPT based on digital analysis of cell-free DNA. The solution is designed to provide automated testing for routine use by high-throughput biochemistry labs as well as genetic labs.

In February, PerkinElmer opened a diagnostics facility in Chennai, India, to provide diagnostic screening services for its maternal fetal health and newborn screening businesses.

W. R. Grace & Co. completed in February its separation into two independent companies (see IBO 2/15/15).

W. R. Grace & Co. named Hudson La Force president and COO in February. He previously served as senior vice president and CFO.

Fourth quarter 2015 sales for Mettler-Toledo’s Lab business grew 6% excluding currency to account for 50% of revenues. Accounting for 48% of revenues, 2015 Lab-related sales slipped 1% but grew 7% excluding currency. Growth was driven by demand from biopharmaceutical, chemical, and food and beverage customers, as well as by higher pricing. By product, automated chemistry and pipettes sales were highlighted. However, strong sales declines were recorded in Brazil and Russia.

In February, Mettler-Toledo announced that Richard Francis, Division head and CEO of Sandoz, will run for election to its Board in May. He is expected to replace George Milne, who will retire.

Teledyne Technologies’ 2016 Environmental Instrumentation sales were flat at $268.7 million, or 12% of sales.

Illumina announced in February the resignation of Jeffrey T. Huber from its Board in order to serve as CEO and a Board member of GRAIL (see IBO 1/15/16).

HORIBA announced a new Mid-Long Term Management Plan covering 2016–2020. The sales target for Scientific Instruments & Systems for 2020 is ¥35.0 billion ($289.2 million), a 25.9% increase, with operating income to rise 169.2% to ¥3.5 billion ($28.9 million). The Process & Environmental Instruments & Systems revenue target is ¥25.0 billion ($206.5 million), a 49.7% increase, with operating income up 47.1% to ¥2.5 billion ($20.7 million).

In February, Oxford Instruments named Gavin Hill as Group Finance Director and to the Board, effective May 9. He previously served as Group Finance Director of Synergy Health.

Bruker named Anthony (Tony) Mattacchione as CFO in February. He has served as interim CFO since June 2015 and previously served as senior vice president of Finance & Accounting.

In February, Spectris’s Materials Analysis segment acquired CAS Clean Air Service, a Swiss-based cleanroom services company. CAS has annual revenues of CHF 10 million ($10 million), 85% of which is services. CAS joins the Particle Measuring Systems business.