Velocity11 designs, manufactures and markets robotic solutions for standalone instrumentation, bench-top automation and large-multi armed robotic systems as well as develops software to control the robotics. According to Agilent, the acquisition will strengthen its offerings to life science customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech and academic research markets with automated sample-preparation solutions. All 150 employees of Velocity11 are expected to be recruited by the company.
Together, we can offer customers a comprehensive set of workflow solutions with increased levels of automation, which can help speed drug discovery and genetic research, said Nick Roelofs, vice president of the Life Science Systems and Solutions Unit at Agilent.
Agilent has strengthened its position in the fast-growing life sciences market through several acquisitions. It acquired Stratagene, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialized life science research and diagnostic products in June 2007. In the same month, it also completed the acquisition of Klee Group’s Kalabie Electronic Laboratory Notebook, a software solution for the R&D sector, used by pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic companies.
Earlier this year, Agilent’s competitor, Varian Medical Systems acquired Bio-Imaging Research, a supplier of medical devices and software for treating medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy, for $21m.
Source: ComputerWire daily updates
