History
Milestones
12-01-2006 - Genomics company AGOWA joins the LGC Group
LGC builds on existing German operations – extending its range
of capabilities in mainland Europe – through acquisition of
Berlin-based genomics specialists AGOWA.
LGC, Europe’s leading provider of analytical and diagnostic
services and reference standards, has acquired AGOWA, a specialist genomics
company based in Berlin. This move both enhances LGC’s capabilities
in genetic analysis and also further strengthens LGC’s operations
in Germany. It is planned that, as part of the LGC Group,
AGOWA will continue its track record of continuous growth and will
support LGC’s strategy to introduce novel analytical and diagnostic
services into Germany and across Europe.
Dr Nigel Law, LGC’s Chief Executive based in Teddington, UK,
commented: “I am delighted by this development which reflects
LGC´s commitment to expanding its life sciences business. Through
this acquisition LGC can extend its services in genomics and DNA
sequencing directly to customers in mainland Europe, building on
its established provision of DNA diagnostics, forensic DNA and
paternity testing in high throughput environments.”
Dr Rolf Wambutt, who founded AGOWA in 1993,
said: “Over the last 12 years AGOWA has developed a reputation
internationally for services in genomics, DNA sequencing,
bioinformatics, and diagnostics. It has also developed its own
magnetic separation technology for the extraction of nucleic acids.
With further investment as part of the LGC Group we will be
pursuing new initiatives in medical and pharmacogenetics, and we
have already initiated some joint projects with a view to
generating new business together.”
In the UK, LGC performs measurement-related
genomic research to advise the pharmaceutical and biotechnology
sector. LGC also provides extensive DNA analytical capabilities in
the field of healthcare and, in the forensic field, in support of
UK police forces. LGC’s existing operations in Germany include a
laboratory in Luckenwalde for the production of pharmaceutical
impurity reference standards and its reference materials division,
LGC Promochem, has a supply and distribution centre in Wesel.