Spectris Plc, a supplier of precision instrumentation and control has agreed to buy MicroCal, a provider of productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls for an undisclosed amount from GE Healthcare Life Sciences.

Spectris said that this acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. The MircoCal business generates approximately $30 million in sales annually.

The MicroCal business is focused in microcalorimetry instrument, which is used to measure very small heat changes in samples. MicroCal systems are used in a wide range of areas from basic research to the development and discovery of vaccines, small molecules and biotherapeutics. The customers of MicroCal systems include governmental, pharmaceutical, academic, biotech institutions worldwide.

Microcalorimetry studies provide valuable information related to enzyme kinetics, binding interactions, protein folding and molecular stability.

Spectris has said that MicroCal will be brought into its expanding portfolio of life science analytical services, leading on from its acquisition of NanoSight Ltd in September 2013 for GBP 15 million.

Andy Douglas, a Jefferies analyst said that the acquisition will allow Spectris to enhance its position in growing and niche markets.

According to Douglas they expect that EBIT margins for this business will be healthy, possibly above average for the group and that management will have maintained its pricing discipline in relation to this deal.

Eoghan O’Lionaird, Spectris business group director said that the purchase of MicroCal is in line with Spectris’ established acquisition strategy and it provides a strong strategic fit for Malvern Instruments, which is a Spectris Plc company. He further stated that combined with the acquisition of NanoSight Ltd and their increased research and development investments, this addition to their Materials Analysis segment will provide additional support, solutions and customer channels across life science research and development.