The global life sciences and biotechnology landscape is undergoing a major transformation. Merck KGaA has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Bio-Techne Corporation. Approved by both corporate boards, the transaction is slated for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals and Bio-Techne shareholder consent.
The acquisition strengthens Merck’s position in high-growth segments, including multi-omics, spatial biology, precision diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy. The highly synergistic platform is projected to yield annual cost synergies of approximately EUR 140 million by the third year post-closing.
Integrated Solutions for Next-Gen Biology Workflows
Bio-Techne, which generated over $1.2 billion in net sales in fiscal year 2025 and employs more than 3,000 people across 34 global locations, brings an industry-leading biological portfolio to Merck's Life Science business.
Key capabilities integrated through the transaction include:
Premium Catalog: Globally recognized cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and immunoassay kits.
ProteinSimple: Advanced automated protein detection and analysis instrumentation.
RNAscope: Cutting-edge in situ hybridization technologies expanding spatial biology and molecular diagnostics.
Cell Therapy Tools: Specialized materials, analytics, and process technologies built to optimize cell and gene therapy pipelines.
Strategic Commitments from Corporate Leadership
Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA and CEO of Life Science:
"This transaction strengthens our presence in some of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas of the life sciences. It adds capabilities across our Discovery, Advanced, and Process Solutions offerings, ensuring we can seamlessly support our customers across increasingly complex scientific workflows."
Kim Kelderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne:
"For 50 years, Bio-Techne has enabled scientific breakthroughs across proteomics and novel therapeutics. As part of Merck, we will leverage greater scale and expanded capabilities to accelerate innovation, empowering our customers to tackle the most critical challenges in healthcare."
