Agilent Technologies to acquire robotics specialist

Santa Clara and Menlo Park, CA – Agilent Technologies and Velocity11 have signed an agreement for Agilent to acquire Velocity11. Privately held Velocity11 develops automated liquid handling and laboratory robotics for the life science market.

Financial details were not disclosed, and the acquisition is expected to be final in 30 to 60 days, subject to certain closing conditions.

Agilent says the acquisition will allow it 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 software to control the robotics.

“Velocity11 is a market leader in lab automation with a solid reputation for innovative technology, quality products and superb customer service,” says 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.”