Merck has announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire US-based life sciences firm Bio-Techne Corporation for a total enterprise value of approximately US$11.3 billion.
The transaction will bring together two highly complementary life sciences organisations, 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 Merck’s mid- to long-term strategic agenda, which focuses on high-growth value drivers, integrated workflows, platformed capabilities and scaling and sourcing innovation through mergers and acquisitions.
“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 laboratory customers to those manufacturing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries,” said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck. “By combining Bio-Techne’s scientific depth, innovation engine and differentiated portfolio with Merck’s global scale, manufacturing excellence and customer reach, 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.”
“For 50 years, Bio-Techne has enabled scientific breakthroughs across proteomics, spatial biology, and novel therapeutics,” said Kim Kelderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. “This transaction is a testament to the remarkable company our team has built and to the enduring value we create for our customers and stakeholders. As part of Merck, we will have greater scale and expanded capabilities to accelerate innovation and deepen our impact.”
Bio-Techne is a leader in recombinant proteins with 50 years of heritage in next-generation research and development and new modalities. Bio-Techne would bring to Merck a globally recognised portfolio of cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and immunoassay kits.
The planned acquisition would also add ProteinSimple, a leader in automated protein detection and analysis instruments, strengthening Merck’s analytical and bioprocess solutions. In addition, Bio-Techne’s RNAscope and related in situ hybridisation technologies would strengthen Merck’s capabilities in spatial biology and diagnostics.
Bio-Techne is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has more than 3,000 employees, with approximately 2,300 employees based in the U.S. It operates 34 global locations and 15 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Switzerland and China and generated net sales of more than US$1.2 billion in fiscal year 2025.
The planned acquisition would strengthen Merck’s position in high-growth and accelerating areas, including multi-omics, spatial biology, cell and gene therapy, precision diagnostics and advanced research tools, while providing Bio-Techne with access to new channels and customer touchpoints as well as Merck’s global scale, manufacturing expertise and established Life Science infrastructure.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Bio-Techne shareholders will receive US$73 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$11.3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion). The proposed transaction has been approved by Bio-Techne’s Board of Directors and Merck’s relevant corporate bodies and is expected to close by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by Bio-Techne shareholders.