Dionex Buys ESA
The acquisition also includes ESA Biosciences’ CoulArray and Coulochem electrochemistry detectors. The Corona detectors can measure both volatile and semi-volatile compounds and require no calibration. The products will fit well with Dionex’s presence in the pharmaceutical QA/QC and environmental markets. It will also compliment the company’s existing product lines. As Dr. Witney recently told an investor conference, the Corona can be offered with Dionex’s Trinity column for the measurement of ions and organics in one run with one assay.
Sunnyvale, CA 9/16/09; Chelmsford, MA 9/22/09—Dionex has entered into an asset purchase agreement for ESA Biosciences’ Life Sciences Tools business from Magellan Biosciences. The purchase includes the Corona family of Universal Charged Aerosol Directors for HPLC, HPLC clinical assays, and ESA Laboratories services and assets. The purchase price was not disclosed. The detectors will be sold with Dionex systems and directly on third-party HPLC systems. The transaction is expected to add $12–$15 million in additional revenue and, excluding one-time charges, to be slightly accretive in fiscal 2010. “ESA Biosciences has a distinguished history of innovation, especially with its proprietary Corona ultra detector that provides UHPLC capabilities, representing the first-in-class universal UHPLC detector,” commented Dr. Frank Witney, president and CEO of Dionex. Magellan Biosciences stated that the transaction enables it to concentrate on its diagnostic products. Also included in the sale is ESA’s headquarters in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the month.
