Abbott will acquire Exact Sciences in a $21 billion agreement that expands its presence in cancer diagnostics and strengthens its global testing portfolio. The Abbott Exact Sciences acquisition was announced the transaction on Nov. 20, with Abbott saying the purchase will add widely used cancer screening tools to its diagnostics division.
Deal Overview
Exact Sciences is known for developing Cologuard, a noninvasive test used for colorectal cancer screening. The company also specializes in blood-based multi-cancer early detection and molecular residual disease monitoring. Abbott estimates Exact Sciences will generate more than $3 billion in revenue this year, making the Abbott Exact Sciences acquisition a strong financial move.
Under the terms, Abbott will pay $105 per share and absorb about $1.8 billion of Exact Sciences’ debt. The companies expect the deal to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. Abbott said the acquisition will immediately support its revenue growth and gross margins.
Strategic Expansion
Abbott already has a strong portfolio in medical devices for diabetes and cardiovascular care. The Abbott Exact Sciences acquisition marks a strategic investment in the fast-growing cancer diagnostics sector. CEO Robert Ford said the deal aligns with long-term healthcare needs focused on early detection technologies.
“We’re making a pretty significant move here that is more long term in terms of how we see medical need and clinical need across the global healthcare markets,” Ford said. “We know this is an important area.”
Ford added that the transaction will strengthen Abbott’s diagnostics business and provide “a whole new growth platform.”
Industry analysts noted the significance of the acquisition. TD Cowen analyst Joshua Jennings said it could help Abbott return its diagnostics segment to pre-pandemic growth rates. Leerink Partners analyst Puneet Souda described the agreement as a “sector defining event” and said it validates central laboratory models in diagnostics.
Market Outlook
Cancer screening and precision oncology represent a U.S. market estimated at $60 billion. Through the Abbott Exact Sciences acquisition, Abbott will gain access to major products including Cologuard, Oncotype DX, and liquid biopsy tests expanding offerings across both early detection and precision oncology.
The acquisition is the largest announced in the medical technology industry this year. Abbott said it expects the integration of Exact Sciences to lift its total annual diagnostics revenue above $12 billion once the transaction closes.
Background on the companies shows that both have focused on expanding access to early detection tools. Exact Sciences grew rapidly over the past decade as health systems adopted noninvasive cancer screening methods. Abbott has invested heavily in diagnostics platforms, particularly during the pandemic, and has since sought new opportunities for long-term growth.
If regulators approve the deal, Abbott would add several high-profile cancer tests to its portfolio, positioning the company to compete more directly in a fast-growing area of healthcare.
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Source:
- https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/abbott-bolsters-diagnostics-portfolio-with-up-23-billion-buyout-exact-sciences-2025-11-20/
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-19/abbott-weighs-takeover-of-cancer-test-maker-exact-sciences
- https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2025-11-20-Abbott-to-acquire-Exact-Sciences,-a-leader-in-large-and-fast-growing-cancer-screening-and-precision-oncology-diagnostics-segments
