Just learned that Thermo Electron plans to buy Fisher-Scientific for $10 billion to expand its presence in the life sciences. Thermo has already established a high profile in pharma-related process analytical technology; its life- sciences business director currently chairs a subcommittee on ASTM's E-55 committee (which is developing standards for pharmaceutical PAT).
But, moving away from multi-billion-dollar acquisitions, on a more human note, also learned that Air Products' Louisiana facility just gave Thermo special recognition for the company's service in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.
-AMS
