Will There Be a Limit to COVID-19 Fueled M&A in 2021?

PerkinElmer is one of the latest companies with COVID-19-related diagnostics to make an acquisition. The Waltham, MA-based firm said it is in an agreement to acquire Immunodiagnostic Systems for about $155 million.

Omar Ford

May 19, 2021

2 Min Read
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Игорь Головнёв -stock.adobe.com

Companies with COVID-19-based diagnostics are proving to be extremely active on the M&A front this year. PerkinElmer is the latest firm to exercise its deal-making power, reaching an agreement to acquire Immunodiagnostic Systems (IDS) for about $155 million.

The transaction is expected to close in 3Q21.

Waltham, MA-based Perkin Elmer said the acquisition will help it grow its overall diagnostics business and its immunodiagnostics segment. Perkin Elmer said IDS’s portfolio and expertise will integrate into its EUROIMMUN division.

“This proposed transaction is highly valuable for both parties as the respective product lines are to a large extent complementary,” Wolfgang Schlumberger, CEO of EUROIMMUN, said in a release. “The cooperation of our global distribution channels, the expansion of the immunoassay portfolio in closely related indication fields, and IDS's fully automated random access chemiluminescence platform strengthens our presence in immunodiagnostics. Our customers will benefit from a broader range of assays and laboratory diagnostic workflows.”

Boldon, UK-based IDS operates through the following business units: Automated IVD Business, Manual IVD Business, and Licensing and Technology. The Automated IVD Business unit offers an analyzer that automates nearly all steps required for performing a test using their kits. The Manual IVD Business unit sells assay kits whereby the testing is performed by laboratory technicians. The Licensing and Technology unit monetizes the technology and know-how that the company owns through original equipment manufacturer partners. 

IDS was founded in 1977.

M&A Surge

PerkinElmer has made a definite impact during the pandemic – receiving emergency use authorization for multiple diagnostic including an antibody test and one for asymptomatic people. The impact translated into added firepower to go after M&A.

This has become somewhat of a trend amongst companies with COVID-19 diagnostic offerings. Thermo Fisher Scientific and Hologic both hold the distinction in the group of having some of the largest deal value amount-wise.

The Waltham, MA-based Thermo Fisher Scientific announced in January that it would acquire Mesa Biotech for about $450 million in cash with the potential for $100 million.

Hologic had the largest deal, noting it would acquire Mobidiag Oy, a molecular diagnostics firm for about $795 million.

Hologic has set another record too –in the sheer number of deals that have been announced. The Waltham, MA-based company has made plans to acquire four companies so far.

About the Author

Omar Ford

Omar Ford is a veteran reporter in the field of medical technology and healthcare journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry), a leading publication in the industry, Ford has established himself as an authoritative voice and a trusted source of information.

Ford, who has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina, has dedicated his career to reporting on the latest advancements and trends in the medical device and diagnostic sector.

During his tenure at MD+DI, Ford has covered a wide range of topics, including emerging medical technologies, regulatory developments, market trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He has interviewed influential leaders and key opinion leaders in the field, providing readers with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

 

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