Specimen preparation – Leica expands product portfolio
Recently in February, Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany, acquired Bal-Tec AG, Liechtenstein-based manufacturer of optical instruments. This transaction will allow Leica to expand its product portfolio for EM (electron microscopy) specimen preparation significantly.
Bal-Tec AG develops, produces and sells instruments for sample preparation in scanning electron microscopy and thus ideally complements the Leica range of transmission microscopy products. Both technologies are used for preparing biological and medical as well as industrial materials samples.
The new product line will be managed by the company’s ultramicrotonomy division in Vienna. With this acquisition, Leica Microsystems can now offer one of the world’s most comprehensive product portfolio for EM specimen preparation covering all process requirements of EM labs.
“Electron microscopy sample preparation has an exciting future. Leica Microsystems was already a leader in key segments of the EM sample preparation market. With this acquisition and product portfolio expansion we are consolidating our technological lead by continuing to offer high-quality products and excellent customer service,” says Stefan David, Manager of Leica Microsystems in Vienna.This article was published on 02/25/2008