QIAGEN and EQT Private Equity said on 21 October 2026 that they had agreed a recommended all-cash public takeover offer of €46.50 per QIAGEN share, valuing the life science tools and diagnostics group at about €10.8bn (about US$12.1bn) including net debt.
Why EQT Private Equity (Crown NL Bidco B.V., EQT XI fund), with ADIA and CPP Investments is buying QIAGEN N.V.
QIAGEN's boards said they reached their view after a comprehensive strategic review including talks with strategic and financial parties, and that private ownership would give the company more flexibility to invest for the long term while offering shareholders certain cash value. EQT has committed to support QIAGEN's strategy, brands, operational footprint, R&D, employees and culture.
“This transaction offers shareholders compelling value”
Deal terms and financing
The bidder is Crown NL Bidco B.V., indirectly controlled by the EQT XI fund, with Luxinva (a wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA) and CPP Investment Board Europe as co-investors. The price is a 40.3% premium to the undisturbed close of €33.15 on 8 July 2026. The supervisory and managing boards unanimously support the offer, which has no financing condition; Morgan Stanley, Jefferies, Deutsche Bank, SMBC, Crédit Agricole and UniCredit are arranging debt financing.
Regulatory approvals and timing
Completion requires a 50%-plus-one-share acceptance level, adoption of resolutions at an extraordinary general meeting including post-closing measures, and merger control and foreign investment clearances. The acceptance period starts once BaFin approves the offer document, alongside a US tender offer. Closing is expected in mid-2027.
Market context
QIAGEN, listed on the NYSE and the Frankfurt Prime Standard, will keep its name and brand, and Jonathan Pratt remains chief executive. The deal follows a lapsed 2020 bid by Thermo Fisher at €39 per share, which failed to reach its acceptance threshold.
