FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. – Becton, Dickinson and Company, which paid $275 million to buy Ann Arbor’s HandyLab in November 2009, on Monday said it would buy another Ann Arbor company, Accuri Cytometers. Terms were not announced other than it will be an all cash deal.

The fate of Accuri?s 85 employees remains unknown. The company planned to discuss the pending deal on Tuesday during a conference call to discuss its earnings. But BD announced on Oct. 2010 it would close HandyLab and consolidate the manufacture of its rapid detection infection device in Maryland.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Consistent with BD?s acquisition strategy, the acquisition would expand BD?s presence into the emerging affordable personal flow cytometer space. It would also help expand the use of flow technology by researchers in developing regions where ease of use is critical, as well as by researchers in scientific disciplines that have not traditionally used flow cytometry, such as environmental studies, the company said in a press release.

?Accuri Cytometers? offering of flow cytometers for a new audience of researchers will complement and broaden BD?s current offerings for life scientists,? said Vincent A. Forlenza, BD President and Chief Operating Officer. ?We believe that, once completed, this acquisition will enable BD to further contribute to medical and scientific advances, in line with our corporate purpose of helping all people live healthy lives.?

?Making flow cytometry more accessible to a wider audience of scientists and clinicians is one aspect of our Cell Analysis growth strategy,? said William Rhodes, President, BD Biosciences. ?With its small footprint, ease of use and affordable price, the Accuri flow cytometer enables the adoption of flow cytometry by a broad range of researchers whom BD does not currently serve.?

BD senior management will address this announcement during the Company?s fiscal first quarter earnings call on February 8, which will be broadcast live at 10 a.m. on BD’s website, BD.Com/Investors

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