Qiagen's momentum carries it downstream

Qiagen N.V. has stepped up its campaign to create a fully integrated research products business through the acquisition of Operon Technologies Inc., which specializes in the manufacture of high-end and modified oligonucleotides. The deal will enable QIA to provide customers with a platform from nucleic acid extraction through to analysis with oligonucleotides. Operon also has close relationships with the major oligo users, continuing the QIA tradition of performing market research within its customers' businesses.

Qiagen (NMarkt:QIA; QGENF; EASD:QGEN) will acquire Operon (Alameda, Calif.) for about $110 million in stock, representing 715,000 shares (see B5). ...