German pharma giant Merck to buy US firm Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion

German pharma giant Merck has inked a deal to acquire US life sciences company Bio-Techne for $11.3 billion to expand its business in the laboratory equipment sector, the German firm said in a statement on Thursday.

With the planned acquisition, Merck aims to strengthen its laboratory division in high-growth areas such as cell and gene therapies and precision diagnostics.

Bio-Techne shareholders will be offered $73 in cash per share, which is 36% more than the shares were trading on average last month, valuing Bio-Techne at some €11.3 billion.

The planned takeover has already received authorization from the management of both companies and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027 pending the approval from shareholders and regulatory authorities, Merck said.

"The transaction would bring together two highly complementary and leading life sciences organizations," Merck said in the statement.

Merck Group chief executive Kai Beckmann described the move as "an important milestone."

"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."

 Bio-Techne generated turnover of more than $1.2 billion in the 2025 financial year and employs around 3,000 people worldwide, according to the statement. 

The company brings more than 6,000 proteins and 5,000 antibodies to the portfolio and will strengthen Merck particularly in the field of biological research, said Jean-Charles Wirth, Head of Merck's Life Sciences business.

The acquisition is to be financed through cash reserves and new loans.