Merck KGaA Buys Bio-Techne for $11.3 Billion as New CEO Bets on Life Sciences

2 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 25

$11.3 billion marks Merck KGaA's biggest deal in more than a decade, with the German group agreeing to pay $73 a share for Bio-Techne and target closing by late 2026 or early 2027.
The acquisition is aimed at deepening Merck's reach in advanced biological research and cell and gene therapy, adding Bio-Techne's broad tools portfolio including 6,000 proteins and 425,000 antibodies.
Bio-Techne shares jumped 20% premarket after the offer, which values the company at a 24% premium to Wednesday's close; Merck shares rose 3% and analysts flagged limited regulatory risk.
Merck plans to fund the purchase with cash and debt, and expects about 140 million euros in cost savings by the third year after closing.
The transaction is the first major acquisition under CEO Kai Beckmann and extends Merck's long-running strategy of using M&A to make life sciences its main growth engine, its largest such deal since Sigma-Aldrich in 2014.

Sources

Left50%

Center50%

CNBC11h ago

Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne for $11.3 Billion, Boosting Life Sciences

PR Newswire11h ago

Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne for US$11.3 Billion, Strengthening Life Sciences Position

With Bio-Techne's sales declining, is Merck KGaA's $11.3 billion bet a visionary move or a high-priced gamble?

Will this life science mega-merger accelerate research innovation, or lead to higher prices and fewer choices for scientists?

Merck KGaA’s $11.3 Billion Acquisition of Bio-Techne: Strategic Expansion and Industry Impact in Life Sciences

Overview

On June 25, 2026, Merck KGaA announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bio-Techne Corporation for approximately US$11.3 billion, offering a 36% premium over Bio-Techne’s recent trading price. This all-cash deal, at US$73 per share, marks Merck KGaA’s largest acquisition since 2015 and the first major move under its new CEO. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, represents a pivotal moment for Merck KGaA as it seeks to strengthen its position in the life sciences sector and signals a significant step in its strategic growth agenda.

...