Thermo Fisher acquires Open Biosystems

Thermo Fisher Scientific has taken over a life science research and drug discovery and development firm.

A statement from the organisation announced it had acquired Open Biosystems a provider of RNA interference (RNAi) provider, gene expression and protein detection products.

Marijn Dekkers, president and chief executive of Thermo Scientific, said the takeover further strengthens the firm’s market-leading position in synthetic RNAi products with technologies based on short-hairpin RNA.

"This combination brings together leading technologies for analyzing gene function, allowing us to create a powerful tool set for our customers who are performing cutting-edge life science research," he added.

Open Biosystems, which enjoyed annual revenues of some $14 million (£7 million) in 2007, will be integrated into Thermo’s Analytical Technologies Segment.

Thermo Fisher Scientific claims to provide world-class analytical instrumentation, lab equipment, automation technologies, reagents and consumables, and LIMS solutions.

It employs more than 30,000 people and serves 350,000 customers within its sectors.