Bio-Rad, Qiagen Are In Talks Over $10B Merger

Bio-Rad Laboratories is talks to merge with Qiagen in a deal that may be valued at more than $10 billion, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

While talks have been ongoing for some time, an agreement isn’t likely for a few weeks and the deal still may fall through, according to the report.

Spokespersons at both companies weren’t immediately available to comment when contacted by MedTech Dive.

Hercules, Calif.-based Bio-Rad makes various products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. It has a market capitalization of just under $12 billion. Qiagen is a Germany-based diagnostics company, with a market capitalization of about $10 billion.

Thermo Fisher attempted to buy Qiagen in 2020 in a deal that was initially valued at $11.5 billion. That transaction fell apart after failing to secure support from Qiagen’s shareholders. Thermo Fisher went on to acquire research contractor PPD last year for $17.4 billion.

The report of a Bio-Rad tie up with Qiagen comes amid a lull of medtech mergers and acquisitions following a spending spree last year. Notable acquisitions this year include Stryker’s $3 billion purchase of Vocera Communications, ResMed’s approximately $1 billion pickup of MediFox Dan and Becton Dickinson’s $1.53 billion purchase of Parata Systems.

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