UK-based science services firm LGC has acquired KBioscience for an undisclosed amount, the firms said last week.
KBioscience, founded in 2002 and based in Hoddesdon, UK, provides genotyping services, chemistries, and related products, which will be integrated into LGC's Genomics division.
Specifically, KBioscience develops genotyping assays using a fluorescence-based competitive allele-specific PCR technique that it calls KASP. The company also offers the Fusion laser plate sealer, a water-bath-based thermal cycler, and the Kleargene range of DNA purification chemistries.
LGC said that the products and services it has developed in DNA sequencing and extraction are complementary to the systems and products developed by KBioscience.
LGC is headquartered in the London area and employs 1,400 people in 27 laboratories and centers across Europe, India, and China. The company operates four divisions: LGC Forensics, LGC Genomics, LGC Standards, and LGC Science and Technology.
KBioscience's founders will remain partners and significant shareholders in the company, LGC said.
In December, LGC, OptiGene, and the University of Southampton said that they were collaborating to develop an ultra-rapid molecular testing platform based on isothermal amplification to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases (PCR Insider, 12/16/10).