Abbott announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Exact Sciences, helping to improve cancer diagnostics and expand access.¹

"Exact Sciences' innovation, its strong brand and customer-focused execution are unrivaled in the cancer diagnostics space, and its presence and strengths are complementary to our own, Abbott has repeatedly taken on the world's most challenging health issues and made a meaningful impact on the lives of people in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and infectious diseases. We're excited to bring Exact Sciences' people and know-how into Abbott so that together, we can take on the global challenge of cancer," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott.

Why did Abbott acquire Exact Sciences?

Abbott’s acquisition of Exact Sciences is expected to “expand access to life-changing diagnostics and help more people detect and manage cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.”¹ To achieve this expanded care, the companies will employ Exact Sciences’ comprehensive product offerings, aiming to support both patients and their healthcare providers before, during, or after cancer diagnosis.¹

Exact Sciences’ product offerings include the following.

• Cologuard, a market-leading noninvasive colorectal cancer screening option.
• Oncotype DX, assists in informing personalized treatment decisions for patients with breast cancer.
• Oncodetect, identifies molecular residual disease (MRD) to help assess the risk of recurrence and guide follow-up care.
• Cancerguard, a multi-cancer early detection blood test.

What are the financial details of the deal?

Per the terms of the agreement, Abbott is set to acquire all outstanding shares of Exact Sciences for $105 per common share in cash, at a total equity value of approximately $21 billion and an estimated enterprise value of $23 billion.¹ According to a press release, Abbott is also contemplating the absorption of Exact Sciences' estimated $1.8 billion of net debt as part of the definitive agreement. The transaction was unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors.

The agreement is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 and is subject to Exact Sciences' shareholder approval, as well as receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.¹

Following the closing of the agreement, Exact Sciences will be set to become a subsidiary of Abbott. As a subsidiary, Exact Sciences is projected to generate upwards of $3 billion in revenue this year, with a high teens organic sales growth rate, bringing Abbott's total diagnostics sales to an estimated total of over $12 billion annually.¹

Additionally,Exact Sciences will maintain its presence in Madison, Wisconsin, while CEO, Kevin Conroy will remain with the company in an advisory role to support the transition into Abbott and accelerate its global impact in helping to eradicate cancer worldwide.¹

Sources

1. Abbott to acquire Exact Sciences, a leader in large and fast-growing cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics segments Abbott November 20, 2025 https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2025-11-20-Abbott-to-acquire-Exact-Sciences,-a-leader-in-large-and-fast-growing-cancer-screening-and-precision-oncology-diagnostics-segments