Purchase price of US$73 per share in cash represents an enterprise value of US$11.3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion)
Proposed acquisition expected to be immediately accretive to sales growth and EBITDA pre margin post-closing, and EPS pre accretive by year 3 after closing
U.S.-based Bio-Techne to bring portfolio with industry-leading multi-omics offering, analytical technologies and integrated workflow solutions across the scientific journey
Would deliver on growth agenda of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, by expanding presence in high-growth, next-generation life sciences markets and further strengthening the position as a leader along the full life science value chain
Would add complementary strengths across research, bioprocessing and advanced therapeutics, bolstering the offering of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in next-generation biology
Synergistic platform would broaden offerings, accelerate innovation pipeline of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and increase Bio-Techne's geographic and omnichannel access for customers
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, expects annual cost synergies of approximately EUR 140 million, which are anticipated to be fully realized by year 3 after closing
DARMSTADT, Germany and MINNEAPOLIS, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, and Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), a Minneapolis-based global provider of life science tools, analytical technologies, and consumables, today entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will, subject to customary closing conditions, acquire Bio-Techne for US$73 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$11.3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion), a 36% premium to Bio-Techne's one-month volume weighted average trading price.
The transaction would bring together two highly complementary and leading life sciences organizations, uniquely positioned to support customers across the full spectrum of life science workflows – from discovery and translational research through development, testing and commercial manufacturing. Additionally, it would directly deliver on the mid- to long-term strategic agenda of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which focuses on high-growth value drivers, integrated workflows, platformed capabilities and scaling and sourcing innovation through M&A.
"This transaction is an important milestone towards delivering on our mid- to long-term strategic agenda. Bio-Techne is an outstanding fit that directly supports our strategic direction focused on delivering cutting-edge products and solutions across the entire industry value chain – from lab customers to those manufacturing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries," said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "By combining Bio-Techne's scientific depth, innovation engine and differentiated portfolio with the global scale, manufacturing excellence and customer reach of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are in a strong position to address some of the most important opportunities in life sciences and support our customers in accelerating the next generation of scientific discovery and therapeutic innovation. This positions us to deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits for shareholders, customers and employees."