Beckman Instruments Buys French Product Line

Beckman Instruments Inc. said it purchased a French product line to expand its offerings of medical tests and lab equipment.

The Fullerton laboratory supplier bought Paris-based Sanofi’s line of lab tests and instruments for diagnosing and treating immune-system ailments.

The product line--including tests for thyroid troubles, infectious diseases, and 30 other conditions--will make a modest contribution to Beckman’s revenue from medical lab supplies, its largest market. The Sanofi line revenue totaled $80 million last year, while medical lab supplies accounted for 55% of Beckman’s total revenue of $1 billion.

Terms weren’t disclosed.

Beckman said it also formed an alliance with Sanofi that will enable it to help commercialize research developed through Sanofi’s licensing agreement with the Pasteur Institute. Sanofi and Beckman agreed to develop more than 40 more tests.

The acquisition includes research, development and manufacturing operations in Chaska, Minn.