Argonaut Technologies has amended its definitive agreement with Biotage AB of Uppsala, Sweden to increase the purchase price to $21.2 million in cash and to include the sale of certain assets (excluding receivables) and the assumption of specified liabilities, including warranty service and maintenance, and accounts payable of up to $350,000 associated with its remaining Process Development Products and Services.
Under the amended agreement Biotage will also take on the employment responsibility for additional Argonaut employees associated with its Process Development Business. On February 21, 2005 the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Biotage AB under which Argonaut Technologies agreed to sell stock and certain assets of its consumables and flash chromatography business for approximately $19.9 million in cash.
The Company will file an amended proxy statement to reflect the new terms and conditions. The agreement with Biotage AB was amended in response to an unsolicited proposal from a third party, the release said.
The agreement is part of Argonaut's ongoing effort announced in November 2004 to evaluate and pursue strategic alternatives. Argonaut Technologies intends to distribute a significant portion of the net proceeds received in the sale to stockholders promptly after the closing of the transaction, which is subject to stockholder approval and other customary closing conditions. Argonaut Technologies expects that the stockholder meeting to approve this sale will be held during the second quarter of 2005.
Argonaut Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of consumables, instruments, and services designed to help the pharmaceutical industry accelerate drug development.
Biotage is a global company which offers solutions, knowledge and experience in the areas of genetic analysis and medicinal chemistry.