NEW YORK – In vitro diagnostics firm American Laboratory Products Company announced on Thursday that it will merge with molecular diagnostics firm GeneProof. The merger will create a global firm with capabilities in immunoassay testing kits, real-time PCR products, and automated laboratory instrumentation.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
GeneProof was founded in Brno, Czech Republic, 15 years ago by Radek Horvath and Milos Dendis, who will remain with the merged company and continue as shareholders. The firm is the largest producer of PCR reagents in the Czech Republic and distributes its portfolio of more than 70 CE-marked molecular diagnostic tests and instruments throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America, the firms said in a statement.
Based in Salem, New Hampshire, ALPCO was founded as an importer and distributor of immunoassay-based products but has since evolved into a producer of novel immunodiagnostic reagents for specialty testing laboratories.
"The combination of the two companies transforms both organizations into a more complete solutions provider and aligns well with ALPCO’s strategy of investing in proprietary automated platforms," said Sean Conley, ALPCO's president and CEO.
Horvath also noted that the merger will "facilitate the entry of GeneProof products into the US market, and similarly, expand the presence of ALPCO products into the EU and around the world."
In September 2020, ALPCO announced the recapitalization of the company by private equity firm Ampersand Capital Partners, which accelerated ALPCO’s global growth initiatives, including the expansion of the company’s diagnostics reagent offering, broadening the company’s geographic presence, and fueling technological advancement.
Ampersand Capital, based in Boston and Amsterdam, will be the majority owner of the combined company.