Acquisition marks the next step in strengthening Agilent's market position in nanomeasurement by extending its portfolio into imaging at the nanometer scale through atomic force microscopes (AFMs)
Agilent has acquired privately held Molecular Imaging, a developer and manufacturer of nanotechnology measurement tools.
Based in Tempe, Ariz, Molecular Imaging is known for its atomic force microscopes (AFMs), the principal imaging and measurement instruments used by researchers working in nanotechnology.
Called the 'eyes of nanotechnology', AFMs are used to measure the shape and properties of materials at the nanometer scale.
Agilent already has a solid position in the laser interferometer market to precisely measure distances at the nanometer scale.
The acquisition of Molecular Imaging marks the next step in strengthening Agilent's market position in nanomeasurement by extending the company's portfolio into imaging at the nanometer scale through AFMs.
"This is a strategic acquisition for Agilent because it complements our core strength of measurement technology while growing our presence in nanotechnology," said Bob Burns, vice president of Agilent's Nanotechnology Measurements Division.
"Molecular Imaging has premier AFM technology that is the high-performance value leader in the market and is the leader in imaging 'in-situ' samples in their natural state".
Nanotechnology is important to Agilent, Burns said, because it is a common denominator between the two chief areas of the company's business - the electronic measurements side and the analytical measurements side, which concentrates on life sciences and chemical analysis.
Atomic force microscopes are a significant portion of the $1 billion market for nanotechnology measurement tools.
Molecular Imaging's chief product line is the PicoPlus family of modular, high-resolution AFMs, which are used for high-resolution imaging in fluids as well as ambient and controlled environmental and temperature conditions.
Customers are researchers in the areas of drug discovery, life science, electrochemistry, materials science and polymer science.
Ideal for multipurpose, multiuser facilities, the versatile PicoPlus gives researchers the ability to customise their systems and add functionality as needed.
"We're looking forward to being a part of Agilent because of its deep history of innovation and technology expertise," said Vance Nau, president and CEO of Molecular Imaging.
Stuart Lindsay and Tianwei Jing from Arizona State University founded Molecular Imaging in 1993.
The company has had a continuous relationship with ASU and its Lindsay Laboratory since then.
Because of the strong ties between Molecular Imaging and ASU, Agilent has no plans to move Molecular Imaging operations from the Tempe area.
Molecular Imaging employees have joined Agilent.
Molecular Imaging is the premier developer and supplier of atomic force microscopes and scanning probe microscope (SPM) systems for high-resolution imaging in fluids or ambient air under controlled temperatures and environmental conditions.
The company's products are designed for nanotechnology research applications in life science, biotechnology, electrochemistry and material and polymer science.
