Abbott has begun a deal to acquire Exact Sciences, marking its entry into the cancer diagnostics segment. The deal is valued at $105 per common share, representing a total equity value of about $21 billion.

Exact Sciences specializes in early detection of cancer and support of personalized treatments. Its product offerings support patients and healthcare providers before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. The company is a strong force in cancer screening, precision oncology, and genetic testing—helping to spot cancer earlier, guide treatment decisions, and monitor for recurrence.

The company’s offerings include the Cologuard test, a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening options, and Oncotype DX, which informs personalized treatment decisions for patients with breast cancer. Its Oncodetect identifies molecular residual disease (MRD) to assess recurrence risk and guide follow-up care, and Cancerguard, a multi-cancer early detection blood test.

“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,” said Robert B. Ford, chairman and CEO of Abbott. “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.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 and is subject to Exact Sciences’ shareholder approval. The deal was unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors.

Exact Sciences is anticipated to collect over $3 billion of revenue this year, with a high teens organic sales growth rate. Once the transaction is finished, Exact Sciences will become a subsidiary of Abbott and Abbott’s total diagnostic sales will top $12 billion annually. It will maintain its presence in Madison, Wis.

Chairman and CEO Kevin Conroy will stay with the company in an advisory role to support the transition.

“Together with Abbott, we can reach more patients, advance earlier detection, and deliver answers that change lives,” said Conroy. “Abbott’s culture of innovation and global commercial reach will help accelerate our mission of eradicating cancer and expanding access to our tests worldwide, while delivering immediate and substantial value to our shareholders. I want to thank the 7,000 Exact Sciences’ team members for their extraordinary work and dedication—our journey has just begun.”