The intention is now to combine resources in order to present customers with an innovative and superior alternative to single source suppliers
Olympus UK (Diagnostics) and Horiba ABX have unveiled a major strategic alliance.
Both companies already enjoy dominant positions in their respective main markets - clinical chemistry, automation and patient safety systems for Olympus UK and haematology for Horiba ABX.
Olympus has also just extended its offering with the introduction of the new AU3000i immunoassay system.
The intention is now to combine resources in order to present customers with an innovative and superior alternative to single source suppliers.
The new alliance will be able to offer comprehensive diagnostic pathway solutions rather than just individual laboratory focussed applications.
Alan Trinder, head of diagnostics, Olympus UK believes that the co-marketing agreement heralds a new era for customers: "We both entered this co-marketing agreement from a position of strength.
"Over the years we have noted each other's professionalism and dedication and come to realise that we could and probably should work together.
"Furthermore, we have both received widespread feedback that customers too often feel they are being forced to compromise and choose single suppliers in current tender situations.
"By working together, Horiba ABX and Olympus offer a real alternative.
"Customers will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds - dealing with a single source but receiving the best in equipment and solutions from two independent suppliers".
Cleve Wright, UK manager of Horiba ABX, also emphasises the real benefits to customers: "Our business has been built on trust and integrity and we are delighted to find a like-minded partner such as Olympus.
"Together we will be able to offer customers an unparalleled range of end to end diagnostic solutions.
"In addition, we both have proven skills in managed service contracting.
"There have been several major acquisitions and realignments in the industry recently, but we believe this alliance will be more than a match for them".
The combined Olympus-Horiba ABX offering does as mentioned represent far more than just the joining of two equipment product lines.
"Customers can look forward to end to end blood diagnostic solutions whereby we can electronically request from a GP or patient's bedside as well as efficiently automate the whole process of analysis and reporting", concludes Trinder.
Currently the co-marketing agreement is limited to the UK, with the potential to be expanded to other markets.
