Qiagen to Acquire artus GmbH

In a move that will give the company a large portfolio of diagnostic assays, Qiagen (Venlo, The Netherlands) has agreed to acquire artus GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) for about U.S.$39.2 million in cash. Around $11.6 million of this will be paid into escrow and will be released subject to certain milestones being met.

artus is an established leader in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic tests for pathogenetic, genotyping, and pharmacogenomic testing, which it provides to leading diagnostic companies. artus has also aided the move toward regulatory standardization. Its RealArt assay range was developed for use on a wide variety of the open architecture detection platforms of diagnostic firms. In addition, artus will enjoy high synergy with Qiagen's technology and product portfolio in PCR reagents and solutions.

"artus' expertise in developing and marketing diagnostic assays has the potential to significantly expand Qiagen's technology leadership in molecular diagnostics,” noted Peer M. Schatz, CEO of Qiagen. "Through this acquisition, Qiagen intends to provide integrated diagnostic solutions encompassing standardized preanalytical solutions and optimized assays to our diagnostic partners.”

Qiagen has developed a portfolio of more than 320 proprietary, consumable products for nucleic acid and protein separation, purification, and handling; nucleic acid amplification; automated instrumentation; synthetic nucleic acid products, and related services.

"artus has built an exciting position in developing diagnostic assays on its proprietary RealArt amplification technology,” said Dr. Ulrich Spengler, managing director of artus GmbH. "Qiagen's technology and market leadership will open new opportunities to further develop and commercialize our PCR-based diagnostic design technology.”





Related Links:
Qiagen
Artus