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Agilent Technologies Signs Agreement to Acquire
Velocity11, a Leader in Life Science Lab Automation and Robotics
SANTA CLARA and MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 7, 2007 --
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and Velocity11 today announced that they
have signed a definitive agreement for Agilent to acquire Velocity11.
Velocity11, privately held, is a leader in automated liquid handling and
laboratory robotics for the life science market. Financial details were not
disclosed. The acquisition is expected to be final in 30 to 60 days, subject to
certain closing conditions.
The acquisition will enable Agilent to offer a more comprehensive suite of
workflow solutions to its life science customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech
and academic research markets. Velocity11 designs, manufactures and markets
robotic solutions that range from standalone instrumentation to bench-top
automation solutions to large, multi-armed robotic systems. The company also
develops world-class software to control the robotics. Velocity11’s technology
will strengthen Agilent’s offering of automated sample-preparation solutions
across a broad range of applications.
“Velocity11 is a market leader in lab automation with a solid reputation for
innovative technology, quality products and superb customer service,” said Nick
Roelofs, vice president of Agilent’s Life Science Systems and Solutions Unit.
“Together, we can offer customers a comprehensive set of workflow solutions with
increased levels of automation, which can help speed drug discovery and genetic
research. When the acquisition is final, customers will continue to experience
the same personalized customer service they’ve come to expect from Velocity11,
with the addition of Agilent’s strong network of global service and support.”
“We are very excited to be joining Agilent and to have found a company with such
a complementary culture, product line, commitment to customer satisfaction and
vision for providing complete automated workflow solutions,” said Rob Nail,
Velocity11’s CEO. “The ability to leverage Agilent’s global infrastructure and
deep applications focus will allow us to continue to improve the services we
provide our customers, innovate in new directions, and rapidly expand our reach
worldwide.”
Agilent is offering jobs to substantially all of Velocity11’s approximately 150
employees worldwide. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Velocity11 has a
second office in Melbourn, Hertfordshire, U.K., with field sales and support
offered throughout the U.S. and western Europe. The company was established in
1999.
Velocity11 has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in
Silicon Valley (“Silicon Valley Fast 50” list) and in North America (“Technology
Fast 500” list and Inc. 500 list). In 2006, Velocity11 was named to Deloitte’s
“Fastest Growing U.S. Tech Company” list.
About Velocity11
Velocity11 is a privately held company based in Menlo Park, Calif., and is
focused on pioneering automation technology solutions for life science
laboratories. The company’s customers comprise most of the major pharmaceutical
and biotechnology companies as well as leading genome centers and academic
institutions. Combining innovative engineering with high standards of quality
and customer service, Velocity11 designs and manufactures flexible
high-performance automation solutions for processes that are transforming the
industry. Velocity11 is committed to providing its customers with The Ultimate
Automation Experience(tm). Information about Velocity11 can be found on the
company’s Web site at www.velocity11.com
.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement
company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences
and chemical analysis. The company’s 19,000 employees serve customers in more
than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.0 billion in fiscal 2006.
Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbors created
therein. The forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not
limited to, information regarding Velocity11’s technological expertise and its
enhancement of our product portfolio, information regarding the contribution
Velocity11 would make to Agilent’s ability to address customer demands, and the
ability of Agilent to provide improved products, services and support to its
customers following the closing. These forward-looking statements involve risks
and uncertainties that could cause Agilent’s results to differ materially from
management’s current expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are
not limited to, risks associated with the ability to effectuate the acquisition
on a timely basis, risks associated with changes in demand for Agilent’s and
Velocity11’s products, risks associated with the timing of completion of the
acquisition and risks associated with the development generally of Agilent’s
overall strategic objectives.
In addition, other risks that Agilent faces in running its operations include
the ability to execute successfully through business cycles; ongoing
competitive, pricing and gross margin pressures; the impact of geopolitical
uncertainties on our markets and our ability to conduct business; the ability to
improve asset performance to adapt to changes in demand; the ability to
successfully introduce new products at the right time, price and mix and other
risks detailed in Agilent’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July
31, 2007. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of
Agilent’s management and on currently available information. Agilent undertakes
no responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement.
# # #
NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is
available on the Agilent news site at
www.agilent.com/go/news .
Press release URL:
http://www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/presrel/2007/07nov-gp07028.html
EDITORIAL CONTACTS:
Claudia Hachtel, Agilent Technologies
+49-7243-602 100
claudia_hachtel@agilent.com
Nicki Muir, Alto Marketing
+44-1489-55 76 72
nickim@alto-marketing.com
Sarah Perceval, Alto Marketing
+44-1489-55 76 72
sarahp@alto-marketing.com | |
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