SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Looking to expand its offerings in lab automation and robotics, Agilent Technologies announced it would acquire privately held Velocity11. Financial details were not disclosed, but the deal will see Agilent pick up about 150 employees as well as offices in Menlo Park, Calif., and Melbourn, Hertfordshire, U.K.

 

With a range of systems from standalone liquid handling stations to extensive, multi-armed robots, and associated control software, Velocity11's portfolio will deepen Agilent's repertoire of sample-prep solutions across the spectrum of drug discovery and development.

 

"Velocity11 is a market leader in lab automation with a solid reputation for innovative technology, quality products and superb customer service," said Nick Roelofs, vice president of Agilent's Life Science Systems and Solutions Unit. "Together, we can offer customers a comprehensive set of workflow solutions with increased levels of automation, which can help speed drug discovery and genetic research."