Prime Highlights :
- Thermo Fisher will sell its microbiology business to Astorg for $1.08 billion.
- The divestment is aimed at freeing up capital for future growth and shareholder value.
Key Facts :
- Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global medical equipment and life sciences company.
- The microbiology business generated $645 million in revenue in 2025.
Background :
Thermo Fisher Scientific has agreed to sell its microbiology business to private equity firm Astorg for about $1.08 billion, as the medical equipment maker moves to reshape its portfolio and unlock capital for future growth.
The deal includes cash consideration along with a $50 million seller note. The microbiology unit, which operates under Thermo Fisher’s specialty diagnostics segment, provides antimicrobial susceptibility testing and culture media products used in clinical, pharmaceutical, and food safety applications.
The company said the business generated $645 million in revenue in 2025, making it a significant part of its diagnostics operations. Thermo Fisher stated that the sale reflects its active portfolio management strategy and will provide additional capital that can be deployed to enhance shareholder value.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Thermo Fisher also said the divestment is likely to reduce adjusted earnings per share by $0.15 in the first full year after completion. The company added that it will provide more details on the expected impact on its 2026 financial outlook during its second-quarter earnings call.
The move is seen as a strategic business decision aimed at strengthening the company’s balance sheet while allowing it to focus on core and higher-growth areas within its healthcare and life sciences portfolio.