HAMBURG, Germany – Eppendorf AG has licensed patents covering electronic pipettes and their operation to Gilson SAS, including US patent 6,778,917 and European patent 999 432 B2. According to the agreement, Eppendorf receives an upfront payment plus running royalties. Eppendorf utilizes the technology in its Eppendorf Research pro(R) electronic pipettes.

Eppendorf AG was founded in Hamburg in 1945 and has more than 2,500 employees worldwide. The company has subsidiaries in 22 countries and is represented in all other markets by distributors.

In fiscal 2009, the company’s sales revenues amounted to EUR 433 million with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 72.2 million