Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has agreed to acquire Alfa Aesar, a manufacturer of research chemicals and part of Johnson Matthey Plc, for £256 million ($405 million) in cash. Based in Heysham, UK, Alfa Aesar has 480 employees and operates in research hubs in the United States, Germany, China, South Korea, and India. The business generated sales of approximately £78 million ($125 million) in 2014.

The transaction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2015, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Alfa Aesar will be integrated into Thermo Fisher's Laboratory Products and Services Segment.

Source: Thermo Fisher Scientific