QIAGEN Acquires ESE GmbH
QIAGEN N.V. announced that it has acquired ESE GmbH, a privately held developer and manufacturer of UV and fluorescence optical measurement devices. ESE is based in Stockach, Germany. The transaction is valued at up to US$19 million in cash.
ESE has pioneered the development and manufacturing of optical measurement systems for medical and industrial applications. The systems utilize unique, high-performance and award-winning fluorescence detection technologies integrated into compact modules.
The transaction contributes to QIAGEN’s strategy of expanding its technology leadership and of driving the dissemination of molecular sample and assay technologies into everyday life. It not only adds a novel detection platform to QIAGEN’s portfolio of assay technologies, but also creates options for point-of-need test solutions in select markets. QIAGEN plans to develop and offer such solutions for a broad range of molecular diagnostic segments in Europe, Latin America and Asia. In the United States, QIAGEN intends to focus on select application fields such as acute care (emergency rooms, mobile testing) and critical care areas where rapid turnaround and/or portable solutions are required. These segments generally do not overlap with QIAGEN’s current markets in the United States in terms of customers and assay menu. QIAGEN expects its first submissions for regulatory approval of corresponding assays to take place following the launch of clinical systems after 2011. In the developing world, QIAGEN sees a significant opportunity for the technology to expand its offering in infectious disease testing with point-of-need options. Together with PATH and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, QIAGEN has already developed a version of its HPV test for public health programs in low-resource & developing countries that can be performed without electricity or running water and offers detection results within 2.5 hours.
Additionally, QIAGEN believes that there are several areas in applied testing which offer significant potential for point-of-need testing solutions. These include animal, food and environmental safety testing, where portability and the ability to be placed in diverse locations are key requirements perfectly addressed by the platform.
“We are excited about the addition of ESE’s capabilities and technology portfolio. We believe it will considerably strengthen QIAGEN’s portfolio of detection technologies and help us to better address the needs of our existing customers in a range of application fields. In addition, due to the unique features of ESE’s technology, this transaction allows QIAGEN to synergistically apply our sample and assay technologies to the exciting, emerging point-of-need testing market segment ”, said Peer Schatz, QIAGEN’s CEO. “QIAGEN has always been driving the dissemination of molecular biology. With this new technology portfolio, we now have the opportunity to shape a new dimension for molecular testing”, Mr Schatz continued.
QIAGEN will establish ESE’s development and manufacturing site in Stockach as a Center of Excellence in Detection Developmentand intends to retain and expand the employee base.
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