Danaher buying reagent firm Abcam for $5.7bn

Danaher Corporation will add a portfolio of antibodies, reagents, biomarkers, and assays to its life sciences offering through the acquisition of Abcam.

According to the firms, Danaher has emerged as victor among “more than 20 potential strategic acquirers” in the race to buy Abcam, paying $24 per share, totalling approximately $5.7 billion.

“Our strategy has transformed Abcam to become a scale innovator and important catalyst in the global life science community,” said Abcam CEO Alan Hirzel.

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“Danaher shares our passion to help life science researchers achieve their mission faster and their operating company model allows us to continue to pursue our strategy, while harnessing the power of the Danaher Business System to ensure we remain the partner of choice for our customers.”

The Cambridge, UK-based life science research tool supplier, founded in 1998, will operate as a standalone operating company and brand within Danaher’s Life Sciences segment when the deal closes, expected in mid-2024.

For Danaher, the acquisition bolsters its standing as a life science service monolith. Abcam will join Beckman Coulter, IDBS, Leica Microsystems, Molecular Devices, Phenomenex, and Sciex as subsidiaries within the Danaher Life Sciences business group.

The conglomerate also boasts a comprehensive bioprocess offering for industry, through its Biotechnology business. The division consists of Pall Corporation and Precision NanoSystems, both acquisitions now absorbed under the Cytiva brand, itself acquired in 2020.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Abcam join Danaher,” said Danaher CEO Rainer Blair. “Abcam’s long track record of innovation, outstanding product quality and breadth of antibody portfolio positions them as a key partner for the scientific community.

“We look forward to welcoming Abcam’s innovative and talented team to Danaher as we continue to help our customers solve some of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges.”