Diagnostics

Abbott agrees to put in nearly $6B to acquire Alere, broadening its diagnostics footprint

Abbott is looking to vastly expand its point-of-care diagnotics options by acquiring Alere.

blood test

Abbott announced today that it agreed to put nearly $6 billion on the table for diagnostics giant Alere. The company claims that with this acquisition it aims to become the leading point-of-care testing provider with annual sales of more than $7 billion.

Abbott has agreed to pay $56 per share for Alere, which marks a 51 percent premium over the closing prices for Alere shares just days ago.

Alere’s complementary portfolio of products, particularly with a focus on molecular diagnostics to detect influenza, is expected to provide Abbott access to new channels and geographies, including entry into fast-growing outlets, such as doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies and at-home testing.

Abbott said in a company statement that the deal will immediately add to earnings, but the agreement calls for Abbott to take on some $2.6 million in Alere debt. Evercore advised Abbott on the buyout, with Kirkland & Ellis providing legal counsel. JP Morgan advised Alere, with Cravath, Swaine & Moore as legal counsel.

Photo: Flickr user rosemary