Merck KGaA will acquire U.S. biotech firm Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion.
The all-cash offer provides $73 per share to Bio-Techne investors. This price represents a 24% premium over the previous closing price. The transaction marks the company’s largest life sciences acquisition in more than 10 years.
The deal aims to expand Merck KGaA’s catalog of research tools and materials. Merck KGaA expects to close the transaction by late 2026 or early 2027. The company will fund the acquisition using a combination of cash and debt. Life sciences head Jean-Charles Wirth described the expanded portfolio as a major benefit for the customer base.
Bio-Techne stock jumped 20% in premarket trading following the news. Shares of Merck KGaA rose 3% as investors signaled approval of the deal.