News Article

Merck, the Darmstadt-based science and technology giant, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Minneapolis-based Bio-Techne Corporation.

This all-cash transaction represents an enterprise value of approximately $11.3bn. The purchase price provides a 36% premium over Bio-Techne’s one-month volume-weighted average trading price, reflecting a substantial premium.

From an operational standpoint, this acquisition accelerates Merck’s positioning in high-growth, next-generation life sciences markets. Bio-Techne brings a highly specialised portfolio of cytokines, growth factors, and immunoassay kits. It also adds ProteinSimple automated protein analysis instruments and RNAscope spatial biology technologies.

Bio-Techne, which employs over 3,000 people and generated more than $1.2bn in net sales for fiscal year 2025, also holds a 19.9% interest in Wilson Wolf Corporation. The remaining ownership in Wilson Wolf is slated for acquisition after calendar year 2027, bolstering cell therapy capabilities. Jean-Charles Wirth, Chief Executive Officer of Merck’s Life Science business, noted that the transaction strengthens its presence in multi-omics, precision diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy.  

The transaction is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and Bio-Techne shareholder approval. Both boards of directors have already approved the definitive agreement. This combination unites global teams across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to support customers across increasingly complex scientific workflows.