Beckman to acquire Olympus unit for $800 million

02 March 2009

Beckman Coulter Inc, a leading US biomedical diagnostics instrument maker, will acquire the diagnostic systems division of Olympus' Life Sciences business for about $800 million, a joint statement issued by the companies said.

Following the transfer of Olympus's diagnostic systems business, Beckman will become one of the top three global players in the chemistry market.

Olympus Corporation, a Tokyo-headquartered precision technology leader, makes opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products.

California-based Beckman develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests.

''This compelling transaction combines the chemistry product lines of our two companies into a complete chemistry systems offering. It enhances Beckman Coulter as a leading provider of chemistry products with additional opportunities to expand our immunoassay reach into their chemistry installed base,'' Scott Garrett, Beckman's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said.

This acquisition will broaden Beckman Coulter's offerings, establishing a leadership position with particular strength in larger hospital laboratories. In addition, the transaction will extend its customer base, and help it penetrate into a broader immunoassay products market space.