Symyx Acquires Lab Automation Company
Santa Clara, CA 6/14/06—Symyx Technologies has acquired Autodose SA, a Swiss maker of precision powder dispensing equipment for CHF 8.5 million ($6.9 million)in cash and additional considerations up to CHF 7.7 million. AutoDose will become a subsidiary of Symyx and will serve as its European headquarters. “This acquisition underscores our commitment to serving the European market, as it provides access to a significant installed base and potential new customer relationships as well as production facilities and a strong field support team,” stated Paul Nowak, executive vice president and COO of Symyx. The acquisition is not expected to generate significant incremental revenue in 2006. The companies have worked together since 2000. Autodose’s Powdernium system is part of Symyx’s Core Module. Symyx plans to develop modular, benchtop systems based on Autodose’s technology for the laboratory research market.