Merck KGaA to acquire Bio-Techne for US$11.3B, expanding life science portfolio in multi-omics, spatial biology, and cell therapy. Deal expected to close in late 2026/early 2027
Written By: Samiksha Jadhav, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has agreed to acquire U.S.-based Bio-Techne Corporation in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately US$11.3 billion (€9.9 billion), marking one of the company’s largest life science acquisitions in recent years.
Under the agreement, Bio-Techne shareholders willH receive US$73 per share in cash, representing a 36% premium over the company’s one-month volume-weighted average share price.
The acquisition supports Merck’s long-term growth strategy by expanding its presence in rapidly growing life science markets and strengthening its portfolio across research, bioprocessing, advanced therapeutics, and analytical technologies. The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
Strategic Expansion Across the Life Science Value Chain
Bio-Techne develops life science research tools, analytical technologies, recombinant proteins, antibodies, immunoassays, and workflow solutions that support scientific research from basic discovery through commercial manufacturing.
The combination will broaden Merck’s capabilities across several high-growth fields, including multi-omics, spatial biology, precision diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy. It will also strengthen Merck’s Discovery Solutions, Advanced Solutions, and Process Solutions businesses by integrating complementary technologies throughout the research and manufacturing workflow.
Among Bio-Techne’s key assets are its ProteinSimple automated protein analysis platform and RNAscope in situ hybridization technology, both widely used in protein characterization, biomarker research, and spatial biology.
Strengthening Scientific Capabilities
Bio-Techne brings more than five decades of expertise in recombinant proteins, cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and analytical reagents. The acquisition also expands Merck’s presence in cell therapy manufacturing through Bio-Techne’s investment in Wilson Wolf Corporation, a developer of G-Rex cell culture technologies used in cell therapy production.
The company generated more than US$1.2 billion in fiscal 2025 revenue and operates 34 global sites, including 15 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China.
Financial Impact
Merck expects the acquisition to immediately improve Life Science sales growth and EBITDA pre margin following closing. The company also projects earnings per share accretion by the third year after completion.
Annual cost synergies of approximately €140 million are expected to be fully realized within three years through operational integration and expanded commercial reach. The transaction will be financed through existing cash and new debt while maintaining Merck’s investment-grade credit rating.
Acquisition Supports Merck’s Long-Term Life Science Strategy
Merck Chief Executive Officer Kai Beckmann said the acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of expanding integrated life science solutions across research and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. He noted that combining Bio-Techne’s innovation capabilities with Merck’s global manufacturing and commercial infrastructure would strengthen support for customers developing next-generation therapies.
Bio-Techne President and CEO Kim Kelderman said joining Merck would provide greater global scale, expanded scientific capabilities, and broader market access, enabling faster innovation across proteomics, spatial biology, and advanced therapeutics.
Combined Portfolio Expands Research and Biomanufacturing Capabilities
If completed, the acquisition will significantly expand Merck’s life science business and reinforce its position in next-generation biology. The combined portfolio is expected to provide researchers and biopharmaceutical manufacturers with a broader range of integrated technologies spanning early discovery, translational research, process development, analytical testing, and commercial manufacturing.
The transaction also continues Merck’s long-standing acquisition strategy, following previous purchases of Millipore, Sigma-Aldrich, Versum, and SpringWorks Therapeutics, while strengthening its position in rapidly expanding global life science markets.
Reference
Merck Agrees to Acquire Bio-Techne, Strengthening Leadership Position in Fast-Growing Life
About the Writer
Samiksha Vikram Jadhav (LinkedIn) is a B. Pharm graduate with a strong academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and drug development. She specializes in pharma market research, with a focused interest in mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and global pharma and biotech deals. Her work centers on analyzing industry transactions, market positioning, and business strategies, translating complex developments into clear, accurate, and insightful scientific and commercial reporting.