Varian to Buy Ansys Technologies

Varian Inc., a Palo Alto maker of scientific instruments, said it is acquiring life sciences company Ansys Technologies Inc., based in Lake Forest, for about $45 million in cash and assumed debt.

Ansys makes drug-screening products and sample-preparation supplies. It had $23 million in sales in 2001, Varian said.

The purchase will help Varian increase sales at its Scientific Instruments unit and expand its line of chemical analysis products, the company said. Varian had $749 million in sales in fiscal 2001. The acquisition is expected to close in the current quarter.

The company’s shares rose $2.21 to $33.96 on Nasdaq.