Previously the two companies have shared marketing efforts, such as seminars and joint customer presentations, but this has been expanded upon under the new agreement.

The two companies believe their complementary technology and expertise, covering advanced fluid processing and analytical instrumentation, will allow them to provide a better service to clients than they could operating independently.

Michael Pohl, Horiba’s vice president of scientific instruments, said: “The relationship between Microfluidics and Horiba has always been mutually advantageous, but our customers will be the true beneficiaries of this new partnership.

“They will receive the combined expertise of both companies through a single contact and we are excited about the synergy these efforts will generate.”

The belief that the partnership will be synergistic is underpinned by the knowledge that many clients already use its Microfluidizer processor in conjunction with Horiba’s particle size analyser.

Consequently joining forces should enable the companies to better serve these customers and improve research. This will cover research into new technologies and improvements to existing products with the companies sharing lab space and tangible resources.

In addition the companies will share exhibit booths at trade shows and pool resources for advertising and lead generation.