Beckman Coulter to acquire Biosite

Beckman Coulter, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of products that simplify, automate, and innovate complex biomedical tests, has signed a definitive merger agreement with Biosite, a biomedical company commercialising proteomics discoveries for the advancement of medical diagnosis.

'This is an exciting transaction that grew out of our successful relationship with Biosite over the past four years in the area of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), a test that aids in the diagnosis, risk stratification and assessment of severity of heart failure and the risk stratification of patients with acute coronary syndromes,' said Scott Garrett, Beckman Coulter's president and ceo. 'It will position Beckman Coulter as a leading provider of immunoassay tests, especially within cardiac diagnostics.'

'Together we can enhance our delivery of high value diagnostic solutions that improve clinical and economic outcomes for acute diseases,' added Biosite's chairman and ceo, Kim Blickenstaff.

The transaction is currently expected to close in the second quarter of 2007.