Deal boosts Thermo’s position in growing genomics field as well as adding antibodies and assay technology

Laboratory supplies megalith ThermoFisher Scientific has agreed to buy US life science technology developer Affymetrix for around $1.3 billion (£900 million).

The deal will bring Thermo’s massive global sales and distribution network to bear on Affymetrix’s products, and boost Thermo’s position in the fast-growing areas of genetic testing, antibodies and assay technology.

Affymetrix develops genetic testing products directed at research and applied markets. A partnership with UK firm Bio-Genesys supplies genotyping services for farm animals to support selective breeding programmes.