Agilent says the acquisition would bring together its world-class analytical instrumentation, data systems and services with SSI's strong position in chromatographic data systems and informatics
Agilent Technologies and Scientific Software (SSI) have signed a definitive merger agreement for Agilent to acquire SSI, a provider of scientific information management solutions.
The transaction is subject to closing conditions.
Financial details were not disclosed.
Agilent says the acquisition would bring together its world-class analytical instrumentation, data systems and services with SSI's strong position in chromatographic data systems and informatics.
At closing, Agilent would have one of the largest installed bases of chromatographic data systems, with more than 120,000 installations, and one of the broadest portfolios of laboratory informatics software in the life science and chemical industries.
"We believe that our combined product portfolios will enable customers to unify their lab needs with one software application, handling diverse data, applications and instruments from multiple vendors in a single, seamless and secure environment," said Jim Miller, director of software for Agilent's life sciences and chemical analysis business.
"Scientists can collaborate across laboratory operations, linking information from a wide range of instrument platforms and data sources".
Miller added that the acquisition would enable Agilent to meet a key strategic objective: to provide a family of software solutions that addresses the complete life cycle of analytical information, from data acquisition to knowledge management and retention.
SSI has thousands of customers worldwide and had annual sales of more than $18 million in 2004.
Based in California, the company employs about 80 people, most of whom are expected to join Agilent.
SSI's key products include Openlab, a web-based software framework that brings together a modern chromatography data system with comprehensive enterprise content management and business process management.
It provides laboratories with a solution for managing all laboratory instruments, electronic content, and processes integrated into a seamless platform.
Openlab manages electronic content from a wide variety of instruments and chromatographic data systems.
EZChrom Elite is described as one of the most popular chromatography data systems on the market, with more than 60,000 licences installed and the ability to control more than 290 instruments from 26 vendors.
EZChrom Elite is available standalone or integrated into Openlab, and can be configured to serve the needs of different target markets, such as chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental and food.
Enterprise Content Manager (ECM) is a software platform that provides a secure, central repository and rich content services that allow organisations to capture, manage, legally sign, archive, and re-use business-critical information.
Agilent has been the exclusive distributor of SSI's ECM since July 2004.
Business Process Manager (BPM) is a workflow solution for streamlining, automating and optimising laboratory business processes while enabling seamless collaboration between people, processes and content.
Following the acquisition, Agilent plans to continue development and support of each of these product lines with a commitment to open systems, industry standards, and interoperability with other instrument hardware and software providers.
Agilent also plans to support and enhance SSI Instrument OEM partnerships.
"Our experience working with Agilent during the past year has shown that our two companies have excellent technological synergies," said Soheil Saadat, president and CEO of Scientific Software.
"We believe that the combination of Scientific Software's leading-edge software products with Agilent's software, instrumentation and global distribution channels will enable us to deliver world-class products, solutions and services to our customers and partners."
