BD to Acquire HandyLab

Becton, Dickinson and Co. (Franklin Lakes, NJ) is acquiring HandyLab Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI) to further expand into "other molecular opportunities," according to BD President Vincent Forlenza. The acquisition is part of a strategy that builds on a development and distribution agreement between the two companies earlier this year. BD plans to integrate its GeneOhm molecular assay for MRSA and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) with HandyLab's platform technology.