Thermo Fisher Scientific to acquire FEI Company

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the acquisition of microscopy technology firm FEI Company in a deal worth $4.2 billion (2.88 billion pounds).

FEI is a leader in the field of high-performance electron microscopy, designing, manufacturing and supporting technology offerings that provide images and information at micro, nano and picometer scales.

Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, the firm has more than 3,000 employees worldwide and maintains research, sales and manufacturing operations primarily in Europe and the US. It generated revenues of $930 million in 2015.

Following the completion of the deal – anticipated for early next year – the business will become part of Thermo Fisher's analytical instruments segment.

Marc Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: "FEI's commitment to research and development, strong IP foundation and excellent services and software offerings are a great fit with our analytical instruments business and will create exciting new opportunities to drive growth."

Thermo Fisher Scientific expects to realise total synergies of approximately $80 million within three years of the deal closing.