Thermo Fisher Scientific acquires Proxeon

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, announced today that it has acquired Proxeon A/S, an innovative supplier of products for proteomics analysis headquartered in Odense, Denmark. The company is recognized for its ability to provide a simplified proteomics workflow, including nanoflow liquid chromatography systems, columns, ion sources, and bioinformatics software, to meet the need for robust high-sensitivity liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis in complex proteomics applications. Proxeon had revenues of approximately $10 million in 2009 and has nearly 40 employees.

“These systems can be easily integrated with our leading ion trap, hybrid and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry systems, in line with our strategy of providing comprehensive LC/MS solutions for both high-end research and routine applications.”

Proxeon's nanoflow liquid chromatography system, EASY-nLC, has been adopted by a number of the world's leading proteomic centers for its exceptional simplicity and ease of use. It features an intuitive graphical user interface, touch-screen operation and remote diagnostics capability. The compact system footprint includes a unique autosampler, which allows reproducible low-nanoliter injections into the mass spectrometer, permitting researchers to improve productivity without comprising performance. The system also provides two-dimensional chromatographic capability to identify more proteins than conventional methods, without the increased complexity of added valves and pumps.

"By offering a high-performance solution that addresses the need for simplified operation, we can meet the increasing demand for LC/MS in proteomics applications," said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "These systems can be easily integrated with our leading ion trap, hybrid and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry systems, in line with our strategy of providing comprehensive LC/MS solutions for both high-end research and routine applications."

Proxeon will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Analytical Technologies Segment. The company does not expect this transaction to have a material impact on its 2010 financial results.