Lab21 Limited, UK-based specialist in personalised medicine and clinical diagnostics, has acquired Microgen Bioproducts Ltd a UK company specialising in the development, manufacture and sale of diagnostic tests to identify diseases and organisms which pose a threat to health.

Microgen Bioproducts´ expertise in microbiological assay development and commercialisation complements Lab21´s extensive diagnostics portfolio particularly in the infectious disease market. This transaction provides further expansion of Lab21´s distribution channel in key territories including the US, UK, Europe and Asia.

Graham Mullis, CEO of Lab21 said: 'Microgen Bioproducts is a well established and profitable business which will significantly contribute to our growth plans in our core products division. This acquisition highlights Lab21´s commitment to continuing its exciting roll-up strategy and we expect to bring other high quality acquisitions into the Group during 2011.'

Dan Deery, Managing Director of Microgen Bioproducts added: 'Lab21 has built a strong reputation, with a global reach and innovative products. We are delighted to join forces with them.'

The acquisition follows a strong year for the products division which saw the company´s first product registration in China; its first US product approval and in addition to the launch of a number of new products, further expansion of its distribution network.