Minneapolis-based Techne Corp. announced on Monday it acquired a Cambridge, Mass.-based biotech company.

Techne's subsidiaries purchased Boston Biochem, a developer of products related to regulatory protein ubiquitin, and its European markets distributor. The deal closed last Friday and the assets were purchased in cash.

Sales at both Boston Biochem companies were $2.5 million last year.

Techne, which is known for creating proteins needed in medicine and research, said the acquisition increases its product mix and will help its overall business by offering "this important product class."

Ubiquitin has been associated with the regulation of disease states such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis and diabetes, Techne said.