QIAGEN N.V. has drawn a binding takeover offer exceeding $50 a share from EQT AB, Bloomberg News reported, adding to the options facing the molecular testing company in its strategic review.
Bloomberg said EQT’s negotiations with QIAGEN were advanced. It also reported a separate bid from KKR & Co. and cautioned that the talks may end without a sale.
QIAGEN makes products used to prepare and analyze biological samples for research and clinical testing. The company has said its strategic review aims to assess value for shareholders and other stakeholders against its standalone plan.
QIAGEN’s U.S.-listed shares gained more than 6% in afternoon trading Oct. 20, Reuters reported. The company told Reuters it does not comment on “market rumors or speculation.”
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. previously tried to acquire QIAGEN. Its 2020 offer lapsed after 47.02% of QIAGEN N.V.’s outstanding shares were tendered, below the 66.67% acceptance threshold, Thermo Fisher said. QIAGEN owed Thermo Fisher $95 million in expense reimbursement after the offer failed.
QIAGEN’s board is expected to review the current proposals this week, Bloomberg reported.
