Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences for $21 billion

Abbott is eyeing to become a global powerhouse in early cancer detection and precision oncology

Abbott and Exact Sciences have announced a landmark agreement for Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences for $105 per share, valuing the cancer diagnostics leader at approximately $21 billion. 

Exact Sciences, known for breakthrough tests like Cologuard for colorectal cancer, Oncotype DX for personalized breast cancer treatment, and Cancerguard for multi-cancer early detection, serves millions of patients worldwide. Abbott says the acquisition will accelerate innovation, expand access to life-saving diagnostics, and help detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. 

“Exact Sciences' innovation and customer-focused execution are unmatched,” said Abbott CEO Robert B. Ford. “By combining our expertise, we can take on the global challenge of cancer and deliver meaningful impact to millions of people.” 

Exact Sciences CEO Kevin Conroy added, “Abbott's global reach and culture of innovation will help accelerate our mission to eradicate cancer while providing immediate value to our shareholders. Our journey has just begun.” 

Financially, Abbott will acquire all outstanding Exact Sciences shares in cash, absorbing $1.8 billion in net debt. Exact Sciences is expected to generate over $3 billion in revenue this year with high teens organic growth. Once closed, projected in Q2 2026 pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, Exact Sciences will operate as an Abbott subsidiary, keeping its Madison headquarters and retaining Conroy in an advisory role. Abbott’s total diagnostics sales will surpass $12 billion annually. 

With roughly 20 million new cancer diagnoses worldwide each year—a number expected to rise—the acquisition underscores Abbott’s commitment to tackling one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.