Thermo Fisher Scientific acquires X-ray technology firm INEL

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the acquisition of the French X-ray technology manufacturer INEL.

Based in Artenay, the company – a leading provider of real-time X-ray diffraction (XRD) systems – will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's analytical instruments segment following the completion of the takeover.

It is expected that its offerings will complement Thermo Fisher's existing product portfolio and provide its customers with an even broader range of offerings for various materials science applications, from industrial to research.

Michael Shafer, president of chemical analysis at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: "INEL offers a range of XRD instruments, from simple benchtop instruments for routine applications to sophisticated platforms for analysis of nano-materials, pharmaceuticals, coatings and other advanced materials."

The acquisition further expands the scope of the Thermo Fisher business, which has more than 50,000 employees in 50 countries. It comes after the firm agreed a deal to purchase Affymetrix, a leading provider of cellular and genetic analysis products, earlier this year.