Astorg to Acquire Thermo Fisher’s Global Microbiology Business for $1.075 Billion

Astorg, a pan-European private-equity firm, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for $1.075 billion in cash and a $50 million seller note. The transaction requires regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Thermo Fisher will operate the unit until the closing date.

Thermo Fisher (TMO) to sell microbiology unit for $1.075BThermo Fisher Scientific Signs Agreement to Sell its Microbiology Business to AstorgLuxembourg: Astorg to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for US$1.075bnAstorg to Acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific Microbiology Business

The microbiology unit, part of Thermo Fisher’s Specialty Diagnostics segment, supplies antimicrobial-susceptibility testing and culture-media solutions for clinical, pharmaceutical and food-safety testing. Its portfolio includes the Remel and Oxoid brands. In 2025 the business generated $645 million in revenue, served roughly 15,000 customers across over 38,000 labs in more than 100 countries, and employed about 2,400 staff at 13 manufacturing and R&D sites. Over 95 % of revenue is recurring, driven by a consumables-based model.

Astorg to Acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific Microbiology Business

Astorg will run the unit as an independent, privately owned platform, focusing on organic growth, acquisitions, and operational improvements. The firm cites deep sector expertise and a life-science asset portfolio as foundations for scaling. For Thermo Fisher, the divestiture provides capital for shareholder value and is projected to be dilutive to adjusted earnings per share by $0.15 in the first full year after closing. Astorg’s advisors include Evercore, Moelis and Latham & Watkins; Thermo Fisher’s advisors include Perella Weinberg Partners, Wells Fargo and Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Luxembourg: Astorg to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for US$1.075bn

• “This investment reflects our strong conviction in microbiology diagnostics and exemplifies Astorg’s approach to creative dealmaking, leveraging deep sector expertise to identify global assets, navigate complexity and translate it into a clear, executable growth strategy,” — Judith Charpentier, co-managing partner, head of Healthcare, Astorg

Luxembourg: Astorg to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for US$1.075bn

• “Thermo Fisher’s microbiology business, through its Remel and Oxoid brands, sits at the core of testing workflows in life sciences and plays an important role in global food safety,” — Olivier Lieven, partner, Astorg

Astorg to Acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific Microbiology Business

• “We see a wealth of opportunities for the business, across product innovation, commercial depth, and M&A.” — Paul Arhanchiague, managing director, Astorg

Luxembourg: Astorg to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for US$1.075bn

• “The transaction reflects our active management of the company and provides additional capital we can deploy to create shareholder value,” — Marc N. Casper, chairman and chief executive officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Signs Agreement to Sell its Microbiology Business to Astorg

• 27 April 2026 – Definitive agreement announced.

Thermo Fisher (TMO) to sell microbiology unit for $1.075B

• H2 2026 – Anticipated closing, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Signs Agreement to Sell its Microbiology Business to Astorg

Astorg will appoint a management team to execute its growth plan, while Thermo Fisher will allocate the proceeds within its broader capital-allocation strategy. Both parties will monitor regulatory progress and prepare for the operational transition of the microbiology platform.

Luxembourg: Astorg to acquire Thermo Fisher Scientific’s microbiology business for US$1.075bn