Roche acquires Innovatis

Roche has acquired a provider of automated cell analysis solutions for 15 million euros (13.79 million pounds).

Under the definite agreement, the former will own 100 per cent of the privately held company Innovatis, which is based in Bielefeld, Germany.

It focuses on viability testing, cell counting and function analysis in bioproduction, as well as research.

Dr Jurgen Schwiezer, chief executive officer of Roche’s diagnostics division, explained the merger is a further step in its strategy to strengthen the company’s position as a complete solution provider in the market.

He commented: “Innovatis’ technology will complement the existing Roche cell analysis portfolio and is synergistic to the xcelligence technology launched in 2008.”

Subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, it is expected that the transaction will be completed within the next few weeks.

In other news, last week Roche, which is headquartered in Switzerland, signed another merger agreement to acquire all the outstanding publicly held interest from the company Genetech.

The deal is hoped to create a leader in healthcare innovation.