Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has signed a definitive agreement with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) under which Thermo Fisher will acquire BD's Advanced Bioprocessing business. This business combines a strong technical services program with a variety of peptones that enhance cell culture media formulations to improve yield and reduce variability in biopharmaceutical applications.

"Thermo Fisher has a trusted value proposition for customers who are working in biologic drug development and manufacturing," said Mark Stevenson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The addition of these new capabilities will complement our bioproduction offering and strengthen our ability to serve this rapidly growing market, from development to large-scale production."

Patrick Kaltenbach, president of Life Sciences for BD, said "We are excited that our Advanced Bioprocessing team will have the opportunity to join a company with deep expertise and a long-standing commitment to supporting biopharmaceutical production. It will create new prospects, building on a 25-year history of ensuring that high-quality biopharmaceuticals get to the market quickly."

BD's Advanced Bioprocessing business has annualized revenue of approximately $100 million and will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Life Sciences Solutions Segment.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in early 2019.