EMD Millipore acquires Amnis

Amnis Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced cell imaging systems, today announced that the company has been acquired by EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Germany.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and closing is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Amnis generated sales of USD 14 million (EUR 10 million) in 2010 and has maintained a compound annual growth rate in excess of 80% since 2005. The acquisition will allow Amnis to expand its growth potential via EMD Millipore's global footprint, reagent expertise, and R&D resources. The acquisition will also complement EMD Millipore's Guava flow cytometry product range.

David A. Basiji, co-founder and CEO of Amnis said, "The combination of Amnis with EMD Millipore will greatly accelerate development of novel applications in imaging flow cytometry, enhance our customer support, and accelerate product development." William E. Ortyn, Amnis' co-founder and President adds, "We are very pleased to become a member of the Merck KGaA of Germany. Together we will create and pursue compelling opportunities in both the life sciences research and clinical markets."

"The acquisition of Amnis significantly contributes to our strategy to be a leader in cellular analysis and systems biology by providing access to Amnis' novel imaging and image analysis technology,  as well as their truly unique product line of instruments that combine high-speed imaging with flow cytometry," said Jonathan DiVincenzo, head of the Bioscience business unit within EMD Millipore. "With Amnis, we acquire a business with a motivated and very talented workforce, a strong IP position, and unique know-how in a strongly growing segment of the life science research market."