Varian divestiture helps boost lab-related focus

Palo Alto, Ca – Scientific instrument and vacuum technology supplier Varian says it is planning to sell its electronics manufacturing business to Jabil Circuit for around $195 million.

Varian’s president, Garry Rogerson, says that divesting of this non-core business will allow the company to focus on its core strengths of scientific instruments and vacuum technologies. For example, the company recently completed two purchases that are intended to enhance its ability to perform in the spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging markets. The infrared product line, including FT-IR and Raman technologies, acquired from Digilab in September 2004, complements the company’s molecular product offering as well as information-rich detectors. The acquisition of Magnex Scientific in November 2004 will help the company to grow and expand its user base for nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging applications.