Bio-Techne shares jumped 20% to $70.58 in premarket trading on Thursday after Germany’s Merck KGaA said it would buy the life science tools company for $73 per share, which is 24% higher than Wednesday’s closing price. The deal values Bio-Techne at about $11.3 billion and is expected to close later this year or in early 2027. Here is what Merck KGaA is acquiring and how the deal fits its life sciences strategy.
Bio-Techne makes analytical technologies and lab tools that researchers and drug makers use throughout the life sciences industry. Its products help with drug discovery, development, and manufacturing, so the company supplies both academic research centers and pharmaceutical firms.
Merck KGaA said the deal will strengthen its position in some of the fastest-growing parts of life sciences and build on its experience in the field. The company’s life sciences division already works in lab reagents, instruments, and bioprocessing. Buying Bio-Techne will expand its reach into analytical technology and research tools.
The 24% premium shows how much Merck KGaA values Bio-Techne’s strengths and highlights the strong competition among life science tool providers. This sector has seen steady deal activity as bigger healthcare and industrial companies look to get involved in the research and biopharma supply chain.
