PerkinElmer Completes Acquisition of ViaCell

PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader in Health Sciences, today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of ViaCell, Inc., a biotechnology company specializing in the collection and preservation of umbilical cord blood stem cells. The acquisition expands PerkinElmer's offerings and reach in the neonatal, prenatal and maternal health markets.

ViaCell's ViaCord(R) product offering allows expectant families to preserve their baby's umbilical cord blood at the time of birth for possible future medical use in treating over 40 life-threatening diseases, including certain leukemias, immune system deficiencies, and metabolic disorders. The addition of ViaCord and ViaCell's highly qualified sales and marketing organization provides PerkinElmer with a leading offering in the rapidly growing cord blood banking business, as well as an enhanced ability to reach obstetric professionals and prospective parents. ViaCell customers will continue to benefit from ViaCord's high-quality cord blood banking offering and expertise, and now will have access to a wider range of neonatal, prenatal and maternal health solutions from PerkinElmer.

"PerkinElmer is committed to protecting the health of mothers and babies from pregnancy through birth and beyond," said Robert F. Friel, President and Chief Operating Officer, PerkinElmer. "The addition of ViaCell marks another step in our efforts to become a leading provider of innovative prenatal, neonatal and maternal healthcare solutions. We will continue to look for opportunities to build our product portfolio and provide the most comprehensive and accurate assessment of newborn and maternal health to families and their healthcare providers."

Source: PerkinElmer Instruments