Case 70 Brooks Automation (Azenta)

Brooks Automation is a global provider of semiconductor manufacturing and laboratory automation solutions. The company was established in the year 1978. Brooks provides precision vacuum robotics, integrated automation systems, contamination control solutions, and collaborative robots to global semiconductor chip makers and lab automation equipment manufacturers. Brooks Automation has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Brooks is the leading global provider of life science sample exploration and management solutions for the life sciences market. Brooks offers a broad portfolio of products and services which represents procurement and sourcing, automated storage platforms, genomic services, range of consumables, informatics, and data software along with sample management solutions. The life sciences division of the company has sales operations in more than 80 countries. This division employs 2900 people globally. In 2021, the company entered into a definitive agreement to sell its semiconductor automation business to Thomas H Lee Partners for approximately $3 billion. The remaining business consisting of Life Science products and Life Science Services were to be rebranded under a single unified brand Azenta Life Sciences during the first half of fiscal year 2022. In this segment the company serves over 8700 customers globally in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The 5-year holding period return for Brooks Automation was 697% while for Nasdaq Composite and Peer group, the holding period return were 100% and 260%, respectively during the period 2016–2021.