PerkinElmer Acquires Caliper Life Sciences

PerkinElmer Inc. is acquiring Hopkinton, Mass.-based Caliper Life Sciences Inc. for about $600 million cash.

“The acquisition of Caliper Life Sciences brings innovative molecular imaging and detection technologies to our portfolio, complementing our world-leading offerings in life science, diagnostics, environmental and food markets,” said Robert F. Friel, chairman and CEO of PerkinElmer.

Kevin Hrusovsky, CEO of Caliper Life Sciences is expected to join PerkinElmer’s senior leadership team when the sale closes, but the extent of his role has not been disclosed.

At $10.50 per share, stockholders will receive a 42 percent premium over the closing price of $7.39 per share as of Sept. 7, a statement from PerkinElmer said. The sale has already won unanimous support of the boards of directors of both companies, and should close in the fourth quarter of 2011. The sale occurs shortly after Caliper settled two patent infringement lawsuits with Rochester, N.Y.-based Carestream Health Inc. and received CE Mark registration in Europe for its LabChip Dx, a microfluidic-based diagnostic chip.

“I am excited by both PerkinElmer’s ability to leverage its global reach for the delivery of solutions and the opportunity to accelerate the development of important advances that make a difference in improving human and environmental health,” Hrusovsky said. “I am confident this is the correct strategic direction at this time for Caliper customers, shareholders and employees.”

Friel added, “The R&D, application expertise, and intellectual property of the combined organization will provide our customers with enhanced knowledge and services and a strong pipeline of innovation. Additionally, the proven leadership and talent of the Caliper team will be a strong addition to our organization.”

PerkinElmer is headquartered in Waltham, Mass.