Abbott Laboratories announced its plan to acquire Exact Sciences, a cancer diagnostics company, in a deal valued at approximately $21 billion in equity. Abbott will pay $105 per share in cash to Exact Sciences shareholders, representing a premium of about 22% over Exact Sciences' previous closing price.
Exact Sciences brings key cancer screening products to Abbott, notably the Cologuard test, a non-invasive colorectal cancer screening that patients can perform at home by mailing a stool sample to a lab. This contrasts with traditional colonoscopy methods.
Additionally, Exact Sciences offers the Oncotype DX test for early-stage breast cancer detection, expanding Abbott’s diagnostics portfolio.
"BREAKING: We’re acquiring @ExactSciences, a leader in cancer diagnostics. Together, we’ll transform cancer care through early detection and the support of personalized cancer treatment."
After the acquisition, Exact Sciences will maintain its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, with CEO Kevin Conroy continuing in an advisory capacity.
Author's summary: Abbott's $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences marks a strategic expansion into advanced cancer diagnostics, emphasizing at-home screening innovation and boosting Abbott's diagnostics revenue potential.