Radnor, PA 4/3/12—Laboratory supply and distribution firm VWR International has acquired Czech Republic–based distributions VITRUM PRAHA and VITRUM ROZNOV for an undisclosed amount. “This acquisition marks our continued commitment to Central and Eastern Europe,” stated Manuel Brocke-Benz, VWR senior vice president and managing director of European Operations. “VITRUM is well established and recognized nationally throughout […]

Antwerp, Belgium 4/2/12—Bruker has acquired SkyScan, a manufacturer and distributor of micro-computed tomography (CT) systems for three-dimensional X-ray imaging, for an undisclosed amount. “We are impressed by the portfolio of high-performance SkyScan products which fit nicely into our global materials research and preclinical imaging distribution channels, and which complement our other X-ray analysis and preclinical […]

San Diego, CA 4/2/12; San Diego, CA 4/2/12; San Diego, CA 4/3/12; Basel, Switzerland 4/3/12; San Diego, CA 4/9/12; Basel, Switzerland 4/11/12; Basel, Switzerland 4/12/12—Roche announced on April 12 that it is maintaining its $51 per share unsolicited offer for Illumina (see IBO 3/31/12), despite the unanimous vote by Illumina’s Board to reject the offer. […]

Atomic Spectroscopy Elvatech introduced the ElvaX Mobile portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument. It is controlled by a PDA and is currently shipping. PG Instruments released a new version of its most recent atomic absorption system, the AA500, which was released in mid-2011. The new version includes an embedded PC. The AA flame can run on […]

Corning, NY 4/10/12; Franklin Lakes, NY 4/10/12—Corning has definitively agreed to acquire the majority of BD’s (Becton, Dickinson and Company) Discovery Labware unit for $730 million in cash. Corning Life Sciences will acquire four platforms: plastic consumables labware, liquid handling products, cell-based assays and cell cultureware, and ADME research. BD will maintain ownership of its […]

IBO’s 2011 list of the top 30 analytical and laboratory instrument and product companies illustrates the results of growing consolidation within the analytical and life science instrument industry. Agilent Technologies, Danaher, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Merck KGaA have each made major acquisitions in recent years, growing their sales and rankings. Despite concerns over the European […]