Abbott finalizes $21B Exact Sciences takeover in biotech's biggest deal

Abbott Laboratories has completed its $21 billion takeover of Exact Sciences. The deal closed on March 23, 2026, following the company's delisting from Nasdaq. Shareholders received $105.00 in cash for each share they held. Exact Sciences officially exited the stock market on March 20, with its final day of trading. Nasdaq suspended all remaining EXAS shares on March 23, the same day the merger finalised. The company had requested delisting and an end to SEC reporting obligations shortly before the acquisition.

The merger triggered a full leadership change at Exact Sciences. Every director and corporate officer resigned upon deal completion. Abbott now operates the firm as a wholly owned subsidiary. Convertible debt holders also received cash payments as part of the transaction. The total enterprise value reached $23 billion, including net debt. Before the acquisition, Exact Sciences had a market capitalisation of around $19.84 billion.

The deal marks one of the largest recent acquisitions in biotech diagnostics. Abbott now controls Exact Sciences' operations and assets. Trading of EXAS shares has permanently ended, and the company no longer files public financial reports.