Lab21 acquires diagnostics firm Microgen Bioproducts

Lab21 has announced the acquisition of Microgen Bioproducts, a UK-based company specialising in diagnostics and microbiological assay development.

The deal sees Lab21 take control of a firm which develops, manufactures and commercialises diagnostic tests to identify diseases and health-threatening organisms, allowing the company to expand its distribution channels in Europe, the US and Asia.

It expressed confidence that Microgen Bioproducts' expertise will complement its existing product portfolio, particularly its offerings in the infectious disease sector.

Graham Mullis, chief executive officer of Lab21, said the takeover will also support the company's growth programmes for its core products division.

"This acquisition highlights Lab21's commitment to continuing its exciting roll-up strategy and we expect to bring other high-quality acquisitions into the group during 2011," he added.

Last month, the company was granted new patents in Europe and the US for hepatitis C diagnostics technology that can assist in the genotypic identification of drug-resistant mutations.