Eppendorf which is a life science company that develops and sells instruments, consumables, and services for liquid, sample, and cell handling in laboratories worldwide and Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., manufacturers of power tools, pneumatic tools, and life science equipment have reached an agreement that Eppendorf will acquire Koki’s centrifuge business, including the premium himac brand.

A corresponding agreement was signed by both companies in Tokyo. The acquisition marks a targeted step by Hamburg-based Eppendorf AG to expand its centrifuge business and solidifies its strong market position as one of the world’s leading makers of high-end centrifuges for the pharma and life science industries as well as academic and commercial research.

Koki Holdings will focus on developing its position as a comprehensive provider of power tools aiming to become a leading global company through strategic investment, accelerated technology and product development.

Dr. Peter Fruhstorfer, Co-CEO of Eppendorf AG said, “We are excited to acquire Koki’s centrifuge business and its premium himac brand. These high-performance products are an ideal fit for Eppendorf's centrifuges business and highquality standards. With this acquisition, Eppendorf will become a full-line provider of high-performance premium centrifuges on a global level. This gives us access to new customer groups and offers opportunities for further growth.”

Atsushi Morisawa, CEO of Koki Holdings said, “We are excited to have Eppendorf as a partner in acquiring our Centrifuge & Processing (C&P) business, which has held a first-place business track record in Japan for over 65 years. With Eppendorf’s investment through this acquisition, I am sure the Koki-originated C&P business will earn an extraordinary positioning in the global market. With that, Koki Holdings will strategically focus on the power tool industry to become the top brand globally.”

Koki Holdings Co., Ltd., develops and produces ultracentrifuges and floor-standing centrifuges under the brand name himac in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, which is north of Tokyo. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.