Merger Alert
ViraCor Laboratories, which specializes in molecular diagnostic testing for infectious diseases; and IBT Laboratories, a clinical-diagnostics and biomedical-research laboratory specializing in immunology and allergy assays, today announced the companies are merging to create a new specialty diagnostics laboratory.
The merger of ViraCor and IBT creates a combined company with more than 200 employees serving more than 4,000 physicians, hospitals, commercial laboratories and biopharmaceutical companies. The new company's test menu includes cellular, immunology, and allergy testing services as well as molecular assays that detect and monitor microbial pathogens.
"By combining our expertise and resources, we have created a company with an unmatched commitment to patient care, a rich diagnostic test menu, and deep R&D capabilities that will continue to set new standards for quality service and science in the clinical laboratory industry," said Maureen Loftus, president of IBT, who will serve as chief business officer of the combined company.
The combined company will operate out of its two current laboratory facilities located 22 miles apart in Lee's Summit, MO and Lenexa, KS. ViraCor founder and CEO Phillip "Flip" Short will step down from his role as CEO and serve on the company's board of directors. IBT founder Dr. John Halsey will continue to work with the combined company as a consultant to ensure a successful transition. Dr. Laurence R. McCarthy, a Venture Partner at Ampersand Ventures who served as Executive Chairman of IBT's board of directors, will serve as Executive Chairman of the combined company's board of directors.
For more information, visit www.viracoribt.com.