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Thermo Fisher to sell microbiology business in $1.075 billion deal with Astorg
The microbiology unit generated $645 million in revenue in 2025 and sits within Thermo Fisher’s Specialty Diagnostics segment
- By IPP Bureau
| May 02, 2026
Thermo Fisher Scientific is sharpening its portfolio with a major divestment.
The company has announced it will sell its microbiology business to pan-European private equity firm Astorg in a deal valued at approximately $1.075 billion, including cash and a $50 million seller note.
The microbiology unit—specializing in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and culture media for clinical, pharmaceutical, and food safety applications—generated $645 million in revenue in 2025 and sits within Thermo Fisher’s Specialty Diagnostics segment.
“The transaction reflects our active management of the company and provides additional capital we can deploy to create shareholder value,” said Marc N Casper, chairman and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher.
“We believe the microbiology business is an excellent fit within Astorg’s portfolio. We are confident in a smooth transition and wish the business and colleagues continued success after close under its new ownership.”
Thermo Fisher expects the deal to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions. The company also cautioned that the sale is projected to be dilutive to adjusted earnings per share by $0.15 in the first full year after completion.
The financial impact of the transaction will be detailed further in Thermo Fisher’s second-quarter earnings call, as the company continues to signal an active approach to reshaping its business mix and unlocking shareholder value.
