SCIENTIFIC equipment and water purification specialist Protean has bought US firm FTS Systems for up to £16.1 million sterling.

The deal will strengthen Protean's position in the American market, while allowing the American thermal conditioning and freeze drying firm access to Europe. Protean's managing director, Geoff Spink, said: "The FTS company is an important addition to Protean and enables us to continue our policy of investment on niche market specialist scientific equipment - businesses with strong brand names.