Swedish investment firm EQT has agreed to acquire molecular diagnostics company QIAGEN in an all-cash takeover deal valued at approximately €9.6 billion ($10.78 billion) in equity value and €10.8 billion in enterprise value.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the EQT acquisition of QIAGEN involves an offer of €46.50 per share, which QIAGEN’s Supervisory Board and Managing Board have unanimously approved and recommended to shareholders. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027, subject to shareholder acceptance and regulatory clearances.
Key Financial Details of The EQT and QIAGEN Acquisition Deal
Under the QIAGEN takeover offer, Crown NL Bidco B.V., a holding company controlled by EQT’s EQT XI fund, will offer cash for all outstanding QIAGEN shares.
Key details of the transaction include:
- Offer price: €46.50 per share, or approximately $52.22.
- Equity value: Approximately €9.6 billion ($10.78 billion).
- Enterprise value: Approximately €10.8 billion, equivalent to around $12.1 billion, including net debt.
- Offer premium: 40.3% above QIAGEN’s unaffected closing share price of €33.15 on July 8, 2026.
- Expected completion: Mid-2027, subject to the required conditions.
The EQT and QIAGEN acquisition deal also involves participation from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. According to the official announcement, QIAGEN’s board believes private ownership will give the company greater flexibility to invest for long-term growth.
About QIAGEN: The Firm Acquired By EQT
QIAGEN develops technologies used to analyse genetic material and support scientific research and clinical testing. Its products help laboratories prepare biological samples, detect genetic information and interpret diagnostic results.
QIAGEN provides molecular diagnostics solutions and life sciences tools, including sample preparation kits, diagnostic tests, laboratory instruments and bioinformatics software.
QIAGEN serves more than 500,000 customers worldwide, including clinical laboratories, academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
The EQT acquisition of QIAGEN reflects continued investor interest in molecular testing and life sciences technologies. These tools support disease detection, biomedical research and laboratory testing, making the sector strategically important to healthcare and pharmaceutical development.
QIAGEN’s boards said the EQT and QIAGEN agreement followed a comprehensive review of the company’s strategic options, including discussions with potential strategic and financial partners.
The QIAGEN Takeover Offer Requirements For Approvals
Although QIAGEN’s boards support the transaction, the EQT acquisition of QIAGEN is not yet complete.
The QIAGEN takeover requires several conditions to be met:
- Shareholders must accept the offer for at least 50% of QIAGEN’s outstanding share capital plus one share.
- Shareholders must approve the transaction at an extraordinary general meeting.
- The relevant regulatory authorities must provide customary clearances.
EQT has secured committed equity and debt financing for the transaction, and the QIAGEN takeover offer is not subject to a financing condition.
If the EQT acquisition of QIAGEN proceeds, QIAGEN will retain its existing name and brand. However, the company’s shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange are expected to be delisted following completion.
Failed Thermo Fisher QIAGEN Deal In 2020
The latest EQT and QIAGEN acquisition deal follows an earlier takeover attempt by Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2020. That proposed acquisition valued QIAGEN at approximately $11.5 billion but was abandoned after it failed to secure sufficient shareholder support.
QIAGEN subsequently benefited from increased demand for its COVID-19 testing products during the pandemic. However, takeover speculation continued over the following years.
The current agreement with EQT provides a new opportunity for shareholders to consider a cash offer backed by QIAGEN’s boards. Its outcome will depend on shareholder acceptance and the completion of the required approvals.
Next Step in the EQT Acquisition of Qiagen
QIAGEN has suspended its full-year 2026 financial outlook while the transaction progresses. Reuters reported preliminary third-quarter net sales of $548 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.65.
Investors and healthcare industry stakeholders will now monitor the tender offer, shareholder approval process and regulatory reviews ahead of the expected mid-2027 closing.
The longer-term effects of EQT acquisition of Qiagen on research investment, employees, products, and customers remain uncertain until further details emerge.
