Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (TMO.N), the world’s largest maker of scientific instruments, said on Thursday it would buy IT services provider Roper Technologies Inc’s (ROP.N) unit Gatan Inc for about $925 million in cash.
Gatan is a Pleasanton, California-based maker of instrumentation and software used to enhance the performance of electron microscopes.
“Adding Gatan’s technologies to our leading electron microscopy portfolio will enhance our customer offering by creating an integrated system that seamlessly connects microscope hardware, software and accessories,” said Dan Shine, president of Thermo Fisher’s analytical instruments business.
The deal comes at a time when competition from Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O) is disrupting several industries, including laboratory supplies. Last year, Thermo Fisher had invested in its e-commerce capabilities and supply chain.
Thermo Fisher said Gatan, which is part of Roper’s medical and scientific imaging segment, is expected to generate about $150 million in revenue in 2018.
After the completion of the deal by 2018 end, the unit will become a part of Thermo Fisher’s analytical instruments segment.
Source: Reuters.com