PerkinElmer to Acquire Genetics Lab Business
The acquisition expands PerkinElmer’s cytogenetics business, which offers BAC microarrays for CGH (comparative genomic hybridization) and BACs-on-Beads assays, with a service offering. It also adds Signature’s SignatureChip oligonucleotide microarray technology designed for clinical applications. (For more on cytogenetics, see page 1.)
Waltham, MA 4/14/10; Washington, DC 4/14/10—PerkinElmer has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Signature Genetic Laboratories, a diagnostic genetic testing company, for $90 million in cash. Based in Spokane, Washington, with 120 employees, Signature performs diagnostic cytogenetic testing of chromosome abnormalities associated with physical and developmental disabilities. Its offerings include microarray diagnostic technology for pre-natal and post-natal identification of DNA alterations. “Signature brings very strong complementary assets for diagnosing disorders that are often undetected by traditional genetic tests,” commented PerkinElmer Chairman and CEO Robert Friel. The transaction is expected to close in May.
