Hologic Grabs Gen-Probe

Women’s health-focused Hologic is buying molecular diagnostics provider Gen-Probe for $3.7 billion in cash. Adding Gen-Probe’s automated instrument platforms gives Hologic critical mass in the molecular diagnostics market while allowing it to maintain its core focus on women’s health. Hologic’s international direct sales force and dealer network can further drive adoption of US-oriented Gen-Probe’s tests in both developed and emerging markets. It also gives Gen-Probe a much greater capability for selling to physicians as well as labs, filling a second significant gap in Gen-Probe’s marketing.