Exact Sciences (EXAS) Stock: Abbott to Acquire Cancer Diagnostics Company for $21 Billion

Abbott to Acquire Exact Sciences

Abbott Laboratories has announced the acquisition of cancer diagnostics company Exact Sciences for $21 billion, with plans to pay $105 per share in cash—representing a premium of approximately 21.8% over the previous day's closing price of $86.18. Following the news, Exact Sciences shares rose by more than 17% to $101.40 in premarket trading, signifying strong investor approval for the deal terms. The purchase brings two major cancer screening products into Abbott’s portfolio, including Cologuard, a non-invasive test for colorectal cancer that allows patients to screen from home via a stool sample sent to a laboratory, offering a convenient alternative to conventional colonoscopies. When factoring in estimated net debt of $1.8 billion, the transaction’s total value reaches $23 billion. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending shareholder approval. Upon completion, Exact Sciences will maintain its presence in Madison, Wisconsin, with CEO Kevin Conroy transitioning to an advisory role. Abbott expects the acquisition to enhance its diagnostics revenue to over $12 billion annually as Exact Sciences is anticipated to generate more than $3 billion this year, demonstrating robust organic growth in the fast-expanding cancer screening market.

Key Facts

Abbott acquires Exact Sciences for $105 per share, totaling $21 billion in equity value.
Shares of Exact Sciences surged more than 17% in premarket trading after the announcement.
The deal includes assumption of approximately $1.8 billion in net debt, increasing transaction value to $23 billion.
Exact Sciences’ main cancer screening products—Cologuard and Oncotype DX—will strengthen Abbott’s diagnostic offerings.
With this acquisition, Abbott enters the cancer screening sector and expects to boost its diagnostics revenue above $12 billion annually.
The acquisition is projected to close in Q2 2026, pending shareholder approval.

Quotes

“We’re acquiring @ExactSciences, a leader in cancer diagnostics. Together, we’ll transform cancer care through early detection and the support of personalized cancer treatment.” — Abbott (@AbbottNews) November 20, 2025

Product Highlights

Cologuard: Home-based, non-invasive colorectal cancer screening test using stool samples sent to a lab.
Oncotype DX: Early-stage breast cancer test, now part of Abbott’s diagnostics portfolio.

Deal Impact

Abbott will assume Exact Sciences’ debt as part of the transaction, raising total deal value to $23 billion.
Exact Sciences is forecasted to generate $3 billion in revenue for 2025, adding significant value to Abbott’s diagnostics business.
The acquisition marks Abbott’s first major entry into cancer screening and represents its most significant deal in nearly a decade.

Author's Summary

Abbott’s $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences significantly expands its diagnostics portfolio, positioning Abbott as a major player in the rapidly growing field of cancer screening and diagnostics.

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Blockonomi — 2025-11-20