Life Tech Buys Majority of Geneart

5/28/10

Life Technologies,  the Carlsbad, CA-based company that makes instruments and lab supplies for biologists, said today it has acquired a 74 percent ownership stake in Germany-based Geneart through a tender offer to the smaller company’s shareholders. Geneart is one of five small companies around the world  that specialize in synthesizing custom-ordered genes for use in biomedical research. Life Technologies (NASDAQ: LIFE) bought 59 percent of the company on April 9 for 11.59 euros a share, and other shareholders tendered shares at 13.75 euros. Life Technologies said it plans to enhance Geneart’s distribution capability and commercial network in the U.S.

Luke Timmerman is the National Biotech Editor of Xconomy. E-mail him at ltimmerman@xconomy.com Follow @