Biohit to Sell Liquid Handling Business to Sartorius

Biohit Oyj (Helsinki, Finland) and Sartorius Lab Holding GmbH (Goettingen, Germany) have concluded an agreement for the sale of Biohit’s liquid handling business to Sartorius for EUR 68 million in cash.

The transaction, expected to conclude by the end of 2011, is subject to approval by Biohit’s shareholders and the governing authorities. Upon completion, Biohit’s liquid handling business will be transferred to Sartorius, including the associated intellectual property rights, production facilities, subsidiaries, other property, agreements, and certain responsibilities.

The liquid handling business develops, manufactures, and markets laboratory equipment and accessories for the pharmaceutical and other industries. Biohit's products are also used in research institutions, universities, and hospitals. The product range includes mechanical and electronic pipettes, as well as disposable tips.

The gains from the transaction will enable Biohit to focus on developing the diagnostics business and tapping its global market potential. In the first phase, investments will be made in strengthening sales and marketing resources and the global distribution network. In addition, the company will concentrate on the development of production technology and on development and commercialization of new products and services based on the GastroPanel and Acetium, which are based on the Biohit’s own innovations.

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