Thermo Fisher Acquires Fermentas - Analyst Blog

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) has recently acquired Fermentas International Inc. for $260 million in cash, subject to a post-closing adjustment. The company expects to close the transaction in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Thermo Fisher does not expect the acquisition to have any material impact on its fiscal 2010 results.

Based in Burlington, Ontario, Fermentas is a manufacturer and global distributor of enzymes, reagents and kits for molecular and cellular biology research. The company generated revenues of roughly $54 million in fiscal 2009.

Fermentas provides a wide range of high-quality molecular and cellular biology research tools, including reagents for nucleic-acid and protein purification; molecular weight markers and other life science research and diagnostic tools; and restriction and modifying enzymes. Furthermore, the company provides various products for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription PCR and quantitative real-time PCR.

The acquisition of Fermentas will strengthen Thermo Fisher’s existing PCR portfolio. The company expects to integrate Fermentas into its Analytical Technologies Segment.

Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Thermo Fisher emerged from the merger of Thermo Electron Corporation and Fisher Scientific International Inc. in November 2006. Thermo Fisher serves customers through two principal brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific.

Thermo Fisher offers a wide range of products and technology to its customers. This differentiates the company from its peers, giving it a competitive edge.

Presently, we have a ‘Neutral’ recommendation on Thermo Fisher.