Global supplier of key genomics research tools including custom DNA, custom RNA and phosphoramidite raw materials used for DNA and RNA synthesis
Sigma-Aldrich has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Proligo from Degussa.
Proligo, a global supplier of key genomics research tools including custom DNA, custom RNA and phosphoramidite raw materials used for DNA and RNA synthesis, had 2004 sales of approximately US$40 million.
Depending on the closing date for the transaction, as much as nine months of Proligo's operating results will be added to Sigma-Aldrich's performance in 2005, increasing overall sales growth by roughly 2%.
"The acquisition of Proligo is another key step in our strategy to provide tools that fully meet the research needs of scientists in the rapidly growing field of genomics," said David Harvey, Sigma-Aldrich's chairman and CEO.
"Proligo will provide us with one of only four exclusive licenses to a key Massachusetts Institute of Technology patent application that covers the use of RNA in gene silencing, the new frontier in genomics research.
"Adding this capability to our previously-announced partnership with Ingex to develop and market its revolutionary new gene disruption technology (TargeTron), our exclusive licensing arrangement with Rubicon in whole genome amplification (GenomePlex) and our own internal R and D activities, enhances our position in the rapidly growing functional genomics market.
"We expect this investment to permit us to participate as a global leader in the genomics and gene silencing research tools markets for years to come".
Proligo is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and has manufacturing facilities in Boulder; Paris, France; Hamburg, Germany; Helios, Singapore; Kyoto, Japan; and Lismore, Australia.
The company employs approximately 300 staff worldwide.
"This acquisition complements our existing Sigma-Genosys business, assures a primary supply for the phosphoramidite raw materials from which synthetic DNA and RNA are made and expands our role in helping scientists unlock the promise of genomic research through the use of leading edge RNA and gene silencing tools", said David Julien, president, Sigma-Aldrich Biotechnology.
"We look forward to all that Proligo and its employees will bring to our combined success".
