BD to Acquire GeneOhm Sciences

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) has agreed to acquire GeneOhm Sciences, Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA), for U.S.$230 million plus $25 million in additional incentives. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the end of March 2006.

GeneOhm Sciences is a privately held company that has developed molecular diagnostic testing for rapid detection of bacterial organisms, including those known to cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of HIAs, and Group B Streptococcus can cause serious problems during the latter stages of pregnancy. GenOhm Sciences' IDI-MRSA and IDI-Strep B tests are rapid and accurate, and have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

BD is a medical technology company that manufactures medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, life sciences researchers, industry, and the general public.

William A. Kozy, president, BD Diagnostics, said, "This agreement represents a significant step forward in BD Diagnostics' strategy to play a leading role in the evolution of molecular diagnostics, and it positions us to become a leader in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. We believe that the molecular opportunities for microbiology will grow at attractive rates in the future.”






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