Biotechnology Acquisitions in 2010

Betco Corporation acquired Bio-Systems International, a Beloit, Wisconsin-based developer and manufacturer of bacterial and enzyme-based environmentally friendly cleaning and wastewater treatment products. Bio-Systems will continue R&D, manufacturing and customer support from its Beloit facilities and operate as an independent subsidiary under existing management.

Ensign-Bickford Industries' subsidiary EB Analytics, Inc. has acquired EnviroLogix Inc., a Portland, Maine-based developer and manufacturer of rapid agricultural test kits (QuickStix and QuickScan). Terms were not disclosed; EBI said the deal expands its capabilities into laboratory services and creates synergies with its pet food ingredient subsidiary, AFB International.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Finnzymes, a Finland-based provider of PCR enzymes, reagents, instruments and consumables. The acquisition expands Thermo Fisher's molecular biology and diagnostics portfolio by adding Finnzymes' proprietary DNA polymerases, miniaturized thermal cyclers and consumables; Finnzymes is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and had about 90 employees and $20 million revenue in 2009.