Luminex to acquire GenturaDx for $50 million

AUSTIN, Texas—Privately held GenturaDx of Hayward,Calif., seeks to make nucleic acid testing more affordable and practical forlaboratories, while Luminex Corp. wants to expand its presence in the diagnosticand testing markets. This all comes together this month in the form of acash deal worth $50 million, under which Luminex has agreed to acquire GenturaDx.

GenturaDx is developing a polymerase chainreaction (PCR) system to enable rapid and accurate diagnosis with minimalsample volume, a technology for which Luminex expects to see commercialavailability of assays by early 2014—the company also aims to integrate the PCRsystem with its MultiCode-RTx chemistry to increase its status and share in themolecular diagnostic testing market.

"This acquisition accelerates the developmentof integrated sample processing capabilities for our technology, and alignswith our mission to reduce healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes byproviding innovative and affordable solutions to today's clinicallaboratories," said Luminex CEO Patrick J. Balthrop. "The acquisition ofGenturaDX builds on our strategic investments to date and positions the companyto deliver ongoing growth by increasing our product portfolio, expanding ourmarket opportunities and leveraging our leadership position."

Luminex expects the acquisition will add about $6million in operating expenses this year, excluding acquisition-relatedexpenses. Additional payments beyond the $50 million up front may be made aswell, if GenturaDx meets future milestones or achieves product revenue targets.