Chelmsford, MA 10/5/17—Automation and cryogenic solutions supplier Brooks Automation has purchased 4titude for $65 million in cash. UK-based 4titude manufactures consumables for biological sample materials used in genomics and DNA analytical applications, including PCR plates, and sealing and sequencing tubes. The company recorded $14 million in revenues over the last 12 months, with 20% growth per year over the last two years. 4titude  supplies PCR plates to over 1,200 customers. “4titude is a natural addition to Brooks Life Science offerings,” stated Brooks Life Sciences President Dusty Tenney. “As our services have expanded into supporting the genomic analysis process for many of our storage customers, we now have a premier consumables offering that gives our customers the sample quality and integrity they require in this high-growth application space.”  Brooks Automation expects the acquisition to be accretive to its non-GAAP earnings within a quarter of closing. In connection with the acquisition, Brooks announced a loan agreement that immediately adds $200 million to the company’s balance sheet.

Adding PCR products will be a new product line for Brooks Automation. Mr. Tenney told IBO, “Brooks provides a full range of biological sample tubes, primarily used for storage and related sample management automation. 4titude is widely recognized for its innovative range of PCR plates, seals and related benchtop instrumentation.” Discussing the product integration, he said, “The integration of sample storage consumables for biobanking applications and PCR has synergies beyond the obvious advantages of maximizing space in mechanical storage units, optimally protecting sample from the outside environment and facilitating automation friendly sample management. 

Mr. Tenney added, “The potential for complete integration into the analytical paths for qPCR, dPCR, microarray and NGS creates a complete sample chain of custody through sample preparation, analytical processes, genomic analysis, scientific services and related storage solutions that is unique in the markets we serve.” 

4titude has 85 employees, according to Mr. Tenney. Regarding 4titude’s current management and brand, he stated, “The current management team has transitioned to Brooks in senior leadership positions; Brooks will continue to use the 4titude brand given its unique market relevance.”