BioMérieux has acquired Argene, a Verniolle, France-based company that specializes in molecular diagnostics. BioMérieux purchased 100 percent of the shares of Ab-SERVICES SAS, the holding company that owns Argene, for 37.5 million euros (approximately $53 million), plus contingent payments of up to 5 million euros (approximately $7 million). The deal is expected to leverage bioMerieux’s global network and make Argene’s products available to a broader international customer base.

In 2010, Argene’s sales reached 10 million euros (approximately $14 million), and molecular diagnostics represented three quarters of the business.

“Argene’s expertise and range of diagnostics for immunocompromised patients will reinforce bioMérieux’s infectious disease offering in an important field of medicine. This acquisition will also enable us to accelerate the time to market of a broad test menu on the new molecular platform we are developing with Biocartis,” said Jean-Luc Bélingard, Chairman and CEO of bioMérieux. “There is a perfect strategic fit between our companies and a shared commitment to improve patient health. We are pleased that the ARGENE team will be joining bioMérieux,” he added.

Argene’s products are indicated for a range of diagnostics for infectious diseases, and include quantitative tests for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.