Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, Mass.; www.thermofisher.com) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Alfa Aesar, a leading global manufacturer of research chemicals and part of Johnson Matthey Plc (London; www.matthey.com), for £256 million (or approximately $405 million) in cash. Based in Heysham, U.K., Alfa Aesar has 480 employees and operates in key research hubs in the U.S., Germany, China, South Korea and India. The business generated sales of approximately £78 million (or $125 million) in 2014.
“The acquisition of Alfa Aesar enhances our existing portfolio of chemicals, solvents and reagents to support virtually every laboratory application – from research, to drug discovery and development, to production,” said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. “In addition, customers will benefit from greater access to these products through our extensive global commercial reach.”
The transaction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Alfa Aesar will be integrated into Thermo Fisher’s Laboratory Products and Services Segment.