Merck KGaA to Acquire Bio-Techne for $11.3B

Editor’s take: U.S.-based Bio-Techne would bring a portfolio with an industry-leading multi-omics offering, analytical technologies and integrated workflow solutions. The acquisition would also add complementary strengths across research, bioprocessing and advanced therapeutics.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bio-Techne Corp., a Minneapolis-based global provider of life science tools, analytical technologies, and consumables, for approximately $11.3 billion.

The transaction would bring together two complementary life sciences organizations uniquely positioned to support customers across the full spectrum of life science workflows – from discovery and translational research through development, testing and commercial manufacturing.  

“This transaction is an important milestone towards delivering on our mid- to long-term strategic agenda. Bio-Techne is an outstanding fit that directly supports our strategic direction focused on delivering cutting-edge products and solutions across the entire industry value chain – from lab customers to those manufacturing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries,” said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

“By combining Bio-Techne’s scientific depth, innovation engine and differentiated portfolio with the global scale, manufacturing excellence and customer reach of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are in a strong position to address some of the most important opportunities in life sciences and support our customers in accelerating the next generation of scientific discovery and therapeutic innovation. This positions us to deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits for shareholders, customers and employees,” said Beckmann.

“For 50 years, Bio-Techne has enabled scientific breakthroughs across proteomics, spatial biology, and novel therapeutics,” said Kim Kelderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. “This transaction is a testament to the remarkable company our team has built and to the enduring value we create for our customers and stakeholders. As part of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we will have greater scale and expanded capabilities to accelerate innovation and deepen our impact. Together, we will empower our customers to tackle the most important challenges in science and healthcare, helping to improve outcomes worldwide.”

Adding Differentiated Technologies

Bio-Techne is a leader in recombinant proteins, next-generation R&D, and new modalities. Bio-Techne would bring a globally recognized portfolio of cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and immunoassay kits.

The planned acquisition would also add ProteinSimple, automated protein detection and analysis instruments, strengthening the analytical and bioprocess solutions of Merck KGaA. In addition, Bio-Techne’s RNAscope and related in situ hybridization technologies would strengthen the capabilities of Merck KGaA in spatial biology and diagnostics.

Merck KGaA would also benefit from Bio-Techne’s position as a leading provider of materials, analytics, and process technologies to cell therapy developers. 

Bio-Techne has more than 3,000 employees, with approximately 2,300 employees based in the U.S. It operates 34 global locations and 15 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Switzerland and China and generated sales of more than $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2025.