Dec 27, 2007 Under the terms of the agreement, PerkinElmer will acquire Pediatrix's metabolic screening laboratory and its StepOne(R) newborn screening product that is capable of analyzing more than 50 inherited disorders in newborns. Currently, Pediatrix's screening laboratory provides neonatal screening and consultative services to hospitals, medical groups, and the states of Maryland, Mississippi, Louisiana, Nebraska and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1994, the laboratory has screened more than three million babies, and is anticipated to generate revenues of approximately $15 million in 2007.
"This announcement builds on our strategy to expand the capabilities of our Genetic Screening business to protect the health of mothers and babies from pregnancy to birth and beyond," said Gregory L. Summe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PerkinElmer. The Company recently completed the acquisition of ViaCell, Inc., providing it with ViaCord(R), a leading cord blood preservation service. Summe continued, "PerkinElmer is building an enhanced capability to deliver a growing portfolio of world-class neonatal and prenatal/maternal health solutions to consumers through their healthcare professionals."
"This acquisition would expand PerkinElmer's capabilities to supply state laboratories with the most comprehensive newborn screening solutions available," said Robert F. Friel, President and Chief Operating Officer, PerkinElmer. "Adding laboratory capabilities should strengthen the partnership with our existing customers by enabling us to offer supplemental screening services for disorders beyond those currently mandated by state and federal governments. In addition, we would be able to provide our customers with supplemental support services, such as potential back-up screening capabilities in the event of emergencies."
PerkinElmer and Pediatrix Medical Group intend to collaborate on future research to identify possible applications for tandem mass spectrometry technology in prenatal and neonatal testing and diagnostics that might improve patient care. Pediatrix Medical Group will continue to operate its separate, internally developed newborn hearing screen program, a hospital-based service that screens for possible hearing loss, usually prior to a newborn's discharge.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2008.
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