March 18, 2008

Aquatic Eco-Systems acquires Marine Biotech
 

Florida-based Aquatic Eco-Systems has acquired Marine Biotech, and the deal will enable Aquatic to occupy a larger presence in bio-medical research, especially that of aquatic animal research.

The acquisition has created one of the world's largest suppliers of zebra fish and other marine species used in genetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, according to Steve Aldrich, president of Marine Biotech.

The aquatic sector makes up 20 percent of Aquatic's revenue, according to Todd Childress, the company's aquatic division president.

Childress said the business has improved by leaps and bounds in the past five years, and could possibly achieve a double-digit growth in the future.

Aquatic Eco-Systems is a privately held company and is a large provider of products and services for the aquaculture industry.

The company has a number of operating divisions, including Aquatic Habitats, a leader in the development of research-grade housing for aquatic species, Waterlife Design Group, a provider of aquatic system design and engineering services specialising in life support systems for zoos, public aquariums and aquaculture facilities, and the Lake Experts, a group dedicated to commercial and private lake and pond management.

Massachusetts-based Marine Biotech provides engineering, systems and products for the live holding of a wide variety of aquatic animals.