Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire One Lambda, a provider of transplant diagnostics, for $925 million in cash. The acquisition includes the cost of a three-year retention program for One Lambda’s key employees, and a one-year earn-out provision based on the achievement of certain financial targets. The transaction is expected close 4Q12.

One Lambda is privately held and has approximately 320 employees, in Canoga Park, CA. The business generated revenue of $182 million in 2011, and will become part of Thermo Fisher’s Specialty Diagnostics Segment.

“One Lambda is an exciting addition to our specialty diagnostics portfolio,” said Marc N. Casper, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher. “The One Lambda team has pioneered market-leading tests that are widely used across the transplant-testing workflow to improve patient outcomes. With its strong technology platform, high margin profile and good growth prospects, the business is perfectly aligned with our specialty in vitro diagnostics strategy.”

George M. Ayoub, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of One Lambda, said, “We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we join Thermo Fisher’s specialty diagnostics business. I believe that, together, we will increase the use of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing and antibody detection to accelerate growth and improve the success rate of transplantation. Importantly, we will continue to fulfill our mission, which is to improve the quality of life for transplant patients and their families.”