EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA, has agreed to acquire Seattle-based Amnis Corp. Amnis designs, manufactures and markets high-speed cell imaging instrumentation used in flow cytometry applications in academic, biotech and pharmaceutical cell analysis and research. Amnis has 40 employees and had sales of $14 million in 2010. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close 4Q11. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Amnis’ technology will put EMD Millipore at the forefront of cell analysis by providing us access to break-through, combined imaging flow cytometry, addressing several unmet needs in the field of cell analysis and systems biology,” said Jonathan DiVincenzo, head of EMD Millipore’s Bioscience business unit. “Today there are no comparable alternatives that enable our customers to combine flow cytometry and image analysis in one integrated solution. With this acquisition, EMD Millipore becomes the only provider of this technology.”

David A. Basiji, co-founder and chief executive officer of Amnis, said, “The combination of Amnis with EMD Millipore will greatly accelerate development of novel applications in imaging flow cytometry, enhance our customer support, and accelerate product development.”

William E. Ortyn, Amnis’ co-founder and president, added, “We look forward to becoming a member of Merck KGaA of Germany and the new possibilities to pursue compelling opportunities in both the life science research and clinical markets.”