BD to acquire Accuri Cytometers

BD has announced the acquisition of the life sciences company Accuri Cytometers in a deal that expands the firm's presence in the affordable personal flow cytometer market.

The transaction, financial terms for which were not disclosed, will close in the third quarter of 2011 and has been agreed as part of BD's broader acquisition strategy.

By adding Accuri's range of compact, easy-to-use devices to its portfolio, BD will be able to make flow cytometry more accessible to research fields in which it is not traditionally employed, as well as to those in developing regions.

The firm added that this move will help to support growth objectives for its cell analysis division.

Vincent Forlenza, BD's president and chief operating officer, said: "We believe that, once completed, this acquisition will enable BD to further contribute to medical and scientific advances, in line with our corporate purpose of helping all people live healthy lives."

Last month, the company announced that it is seeking US regulatory approval of amplified molecular tests for use in the diagnosis and treatment of herpes simplex virus infections.