Agilent to acquire European diagnostics business Multiplicom

Agilent Technologies has announced the acquisition of Multiplicom, a European diagnostics company that creates cutting-edge genetic testing technology and products.

The company will pay 68 million euros (57.79 million pounds) for Belgium-based Multiplicom, which develops molecular-diagnostic solutions that enable labs to identify DNA variants associated with genetic diseases or predispositions, facilitating personalised medical treatments.

Multiplicom was founded in 2011 as a spin-off from the University of Antwerp and VIB, achieving CE-IVD certification for its BRCA MASTR Dx assay for breast and ovarian cancer predisposition in 2012. It was the first company in Europe to achieve a BRCA CE-IVD certification.

This acquisition will significantly strengthen Agilent's presence in the genomics market, while giving Multiplicom a chance to bring its products to a global customer base.

Herman Verrelst, vice-president and general manager of Agilent's genomics division, said: "Multiplicom's products and technology help expand our target-enrichment portfolio and enhance our next-generation sequencing workflow capabilities – providing immediate scale in adjacent markets."

When the deal closes in mid-January, Multiplicom's workforce – which encompasses around 90 people – will be offered new employment opportunities with Agilent.

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