Mergers See Companies Consolidating Positions

The end of 2010 and start of the New year saw a number of other key acquisitions including the definitive agreement for Agilent to acquire substantially all of A2 Technologies’ intellectual property, technology, employees and its spectroscopy product portfolio. Completion was expected earlier this month subject to closing conditions. Headquartered in Danbury, Conn. A2 Technologies focuses on Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) technology for lab and field use in the petrochemical, environmental, aerospace, art conservation, academia and geosciences markets. "A2 Technologies’ products, technology and people are a great fit with Agilent," said Mike McMullen, President of Agilent’s Chemical Analysis Group. "We set out to grow our spectroscopy business, which we acquired this past year when Varian joined us, so we can offer customers an even wider range of the industry’s best solutions. Adding A2 Technologies’ cutting-edge, patented technology and top talent is a major move in this direction.

Halma acquired Alicat Scientific Inc. for a cash consideration of $25.2 million (£15.7 million). Alicat, (Tucson, Arizona), which designs and manufactures mass flow meters and controllers for life science and industrial applications, will join Halma’s Health and Analysis sector within the Fluid Technology group of businesses. Andrew Williams, Halma’s Chief Executive, commented: “Alicat adds new technologies and end market applications to our Fluid Technology businesses which currently focus on fluid flow via precision miniature tubing assemblies, connectors and valves. This acquisition provides new cross-selling opportunities and the Halma hubs in Asia will help Alicat accelerate their recent sales growth in that important region.”

The Tintometer Group of Companies, the global manufacturer and distributor of the Lovibond® branded water analysis and colour measurement technology, has purchased Kittiwake Development Ltd’s water test kit business. The move demonstrates The Tintometer Group’s long-term commitment to the expansion of its core areas; Water and Colour Analysis. Kittiwake’s range of products will serve to complement Tintometer’s current portfolio and facilitate expansion in the industrial water testing market.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc has completed the acquisition of TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme GmbH, a European provider of laboratory water purification systems. Based in Niederelbert, Germany, TKA has nearly 60 employees and had 2009 full year revenue of approximately €10 million.

The Niederelbert location will become a centre for R&D and manufacturing of laboratory water purification systems and will be integrated into Thermo Fisher’s Laboratory Products and Services segment.