Qiagen shares surge on report of advanced EQT takeover talks
Investing.com -- Qiagen NV (NYSE: QGEN) shares jumped over 7% on Tuesday following a Bloomberg report that Swedish private equity firm EQT AB is in advanced negotiations to acquire the European molecular diagnostics provider.
EQT has submitted a binding offer exceeding $50 per share, valuing the company at over $10 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. Competitive buyout firm KKR & Co. also submitted a bid for the company.
Qiagen’s board is scheduled to meet this week to evaluate the offers. However, sources cautioned that discussions remain fluid and may not result in a final transaction.
If finalized, a buyout would mark one of Europe’s largest healthcare transactions of the year, concluding years of recurring takeover speculation surrounding the company. Bloomberg had previously reported in January that Qiagen was exploring strategic alternatives.
Representatives for Qiagen, EQT, and KKR declined to comment.