GE Healthcare to purchase Applied Precision

GE Healthcare has announced that it will be acquiring the cellular imaging company Applied Precision.

The deal, which will close during the second quarter of 2011, will allow the firm to take control of a business specialising in high-resolution and super-resolution microscopy instruments, which are used to monitor the behaviour of cells.

Such technology is vital in the rapidly expanding cell biology and biomedical research sectors and can help to assist in drug development and studies of biomarkers.

GE Healthcare believes Applied Precision's portfolio will also complement its existing product offering, which includes devices such as the IN Cell Analyzer Systems.

Kieran Murphy, president and chief executive officer of GE Healthcare's life sciences division, said: "Applied Precision is a company with a strong reputation for innovation and is a great strategic fit with our cell technologies business."

This comes after the firm agreed a deal to purchase the medical technology firm Steady State Imaging last month.