Key Takeaways
- • EQT is in advanced negotiations to acquire Qiagen in a potential buyout valued at more than $10bn, according to Bloomberg.
- • EQT has reportedly made a binding offer exceeding $50 per share, with Qiagen's board expected to meet this week to consider it.
- • KKR is also reportedly submitting a bid, making the process competitive between two large private equity firms.
- • Qiagen's US-listed shares rose as much as 9.2% on the report, implying a valuation of approximately $10.2bn.
- • A deal would rank among Europe's largest healthcare buyouts this year, though discussions remain ongoing and no transaction is assured.
Summary
Swedish buyout manager EQT is in advanced negotiations to acquire Qiagen, the Netherlands-based molecular testing company, in a potential buyout valued at more than $10bn, according to a report by Bloomberg. Rival private equity firm KKR is also submitting a bid, according to the same report. People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that EQT has made a binding offer exceeding $50 per share, and Qiagen's board is expected to meet this week to consider a potential transaction.
Following the report on Tuesday, Qiagen's US-listed shares rose as much as 9.2%, valuing the business at approximately $10.2bn. The company is also listed in Frankfurt. Qiagen develops molecular testing technologies used in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research and life sciences.
If completed, the transaction would rank among Europe's largest healthcare buyouts this year and would end years of takeover speculation surrounding the diagnostics company. Qiagen has been evaluating strategic alternatives amid renewed acquisition interest, and Bloomberg reported in January that the company was considering its options.
Discussions reportedly remain ongoing, and there is no certainty that a transaction with EQT or another bidder will proceed.
Following the report on Tuesday, Qiagen's US-listed shares rose as much as 9.2%, valuing the business at approximately $10.2bn. The company is also listed in Frankfurt. Qiagen develops molecular testing technologies used in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research and life sciences.
If completed, the transaction would rank among Europe's largest healthcare buyouts this year and would end years of takeover speculation surrounding the diagnostics company. Qiagen has been evaluating strategic alternatives amid renewed acquisition interest, and Bloomberg reported in January that the company was considering its options.
Discussions reportedly remain ongoing, and there is no certainty that a transaction with EQT or another bidder will proceed.
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