Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Abbott Laboratories to buy Exact Sciences in $23bn deal

(Sharecast News) - Abbott Laboratories said on Thursday that it has agreed to buy cancer diagnostics firm Exact Sciences for $23bn. Under the terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of next year, Exact Sciences shareholders will receive $105 per share.

Exact Sciences focuses on the early detection of cancer and supporting personalised treatments. Abbott said the company's comprehensive product offerings support patients and their healthcare providers before, during and after a cancer diagnosis.

"The company is a leader in cancer screening, precision oncology and genetic testing, helping to detect cancer earlier, guide treatment decisions and monitor for recurrence," it said.

Abbott chairman and chief executive Robert B. Ford said: "Exact Sciences' innovation, its strong brand and customer-focused execution are unrivalled in the cancer diagnostics space, and its presence and strengths are complementary to our own.

"Abbott has repeatedly taken on the world's most challenging health issues and made a meaningful impact on the lives of people in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and infectious diseases. We're excited to bring Exact Sciences' people and know-how into Abbott so that together, we can take on the global challenge of cancer."

At 1535 GMT, Exact Sciences shares were up 17% at $101.39, while Abbott was down 2.5% at $123.01.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Thursday preview: TSMC results, UK GDP in focus
(Sharecast News) - Thursday will see the release of a first-quarter trading update from homeware retailer Dunelm and UK GDP data.
Jefferies upgrades Pennon to 'buy'
(Sharecast News) - Jefferies upgraded Pennon to 'buy' from 'hold' on Wednesday but cut the price target to 380p from 500p.
Berenberg lowers target price on Oxford Instruments
(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg lowered their target price on Oxford Instruments to 2,840p from 3,000p, noting the recent strength in order intake now looks largely priced in.
Great Portland Estates secures £19m of lettings
(Sharecast News) - Property development and investment firm Great Portland Estates said on Wednesday that it had secured £19m of lettings in the first half, with deals struck 4.1% ahead of enterprise rental value.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.