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Shareholders of Bio-Techne Approve Merger with Merck KGaA

In a pivotal move for the life sciences sector, shareholders of Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), a renowned global provider of life science tools, reagents, and diagnostics, have overwhelmingly approved the acquisition by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This decision was confirmed during a Special Meeting of Shareholders held on September 23, 2026.

Kim Kelderman, the President and CEO of Bio-Techne, expressed appreciation to the shareholders for their robust support, which is seen as a critical milestone in commencing this transformative merger. The acquisition aims to integrate the strengths of both companies, presenting a unique opportunity to enhance their market roles in the life sciences arena. Kelderman stated, "By uniting with Merck KGaA, we are poised to offer substantial value to Bio-Techne shareholders while creating a formidable organization that will support our customers across various life science workflows—from discovery to commercial manufacturing."

Implications of the Acquisition

The merger is anticipated to enrich the capabilities of the combined entity, fostering innovation and improving service delivery across a broad spectrum of life science applications. Bio-Techne’s diverse portfolio, which includes high-quality reagents, analytical instruments, and precision diagnostics, is expected to complement Merck KGaA’s existing offerings effectively.

As part of the acquisition process, the final voting results will be reported in a Form 8-K submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has concluded, allowing the companies to proceed with regulatory approvals.

Future Outlook

Both companies are preparing for the final stages of the merger, with expectations set for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, pending customary closing conditions and remaining regulatory approvals. This merger is expected to not only catalyze new scientific endeavors but also create synergies that optimize operational efficiency across both organizations.

With over 50 years of experience empowering scientific communities, Bio-Techne operates globally in 34 locations, employing more than 3,000 dedicated professionals. The company reported impressive sales figures of over $1.2 billion in net sales during the fiscal year 2025, with its vast catalog of more than 500,000 products being integral to academic researchers, biopharmaceutical companies, and clinical labs worldwide.

Looking ahead, this merger is set to redefine the landscape of the life sciences sector, positioning the newly combined organization as a powerhouse capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions. For more details, feel free to visit Bio-Techne's official website or follow the company on LinkedIn, X, or YouTube.

As both companies embark on this journey, stakeholders are eager to see how the integration will unfold and what innovations lie ahead in the realm of life sciences.

Conclusion

In summary, the approval of Bio-Techne's merger with Merck KGaA reflects a strategic alignment aimed at enhancing service offerings in the life science sector. The resulting synergy is expected to produce significant advancements in scientific research and diagnostics—a positive outcome for shareholders and the scientific community at large.