Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne, Expanding Life Science Portfolio

3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion). The companies present the combination as highly complementary and positioned to support customers from discovery and translational research through development, testing, and commercial manufacturing. The proposed transaction has been approved by Bio-Techne’s Board of Directors and the relevant corporate bodies of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Bio‑Techne would bring a globally recognized catalog of cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and immunoassay kits, alongside ProteinSimple automated protein detection and analysis instruments. Its RNAscope and related in situ hybridization technologies would expand spatial biology and diagnostics capabilities, while its materials, analytics, and process technologies would enhance support for cell therapy developers. Together, the organizations aim to address increasingly complex next‑generation biology workflows with integrated solutions.

The planned acquisition would strengthen Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in multi‑omics, spatial biology, cell and gene therapy, precision diagnostics, and advanced research tools. A synergistic platform is expected to broaden offerings and accelerate the innovation pipeline, with anticipated annual cost synergies of approximately EUR 140 million by year three after closing. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to sales growth and EBITDA pre margin post‑closing, and earnings per share (EPS) pre accretive by year three.

Bio‑Techne, headquartered in Minneapolis, operates 34 global locations and 15 manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Switzerland, and China, employing more than 3,000 people and generating over US$1.2 billion in net sales in fiscal year 2025. In fiscal year 2023, it acquired 19.9% of Wilson Wolf Corporation and expects to acquire the remaining ownership immediately following the end of calendar year 2027 under a two‑part forward contract. Closing is expected by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to customary conditions, required regulatory approvals, and approval by Bio‑Techne shareholders.

“Building on our strong track record in the Life Science Business, this transaction strengthens our presence in some of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas of the life sciences, including multi-omics, spatial biology, precision diagnostics and cell and gene therapy," said Jean‑Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Life Science. “It adds capabilities across our Discovery Solutions, Advanced Solutions and Process Solutions offerings, to support customers across increasingly complex scientific workflows.”

“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 KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we will have greater scale and expanded capabilities to accelerate innovation and deepen our impact. Together, we will empower our customers to tackle the most important challenges in science and healthcare, helping to improve outcomes worldwide.”