Siemens sells clinical microbiology biz to Beckman Coulter

Danaher (NYSE:DHR) subsidiary Beckman Coulter (NYSE:BEC) announced today that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire the clinical microbiology division of Siemens Healthcare (NYSE:SI).

The deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, is slated to close in the 1st quarter of 2015. Beckman hopes the acquisition will diversity its existing diagnostics business and drive growth for the company.

The clinical microbiology division comes with an installed base of more than 6,000 instruments worldwide, according to a press release. The produce line includes the MicroScan suite of instruments and panels/consumables that Beckman says "are recognized in their industry for their high accuracy and superior detection of emerging resistance."

"The clinical microbiology business will be an excellent complement to Beckman Coulter’s Diagnostics business with a strong reputation and market position," Beckman Coulter diagnostics president Arnd Kaldowski said in prepared remarks. "The acquisition expands our product portfolio with differentiated analytical systems and menu that elevate our clinical capabilities for customers, while driving continued growth."

Wall Street has been abuzz about prospective spinouts from Siemens Healthcare, including talk that the German conglomerate may be looking to offload its hospital database and IT business.