German chemicals and pharmaceuticals group Merck announced on Thursday that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire Mirus Bio, a US company specializing in transfection equipment, for $600 million (around €550 million).

Based in Madison (Wisconsin), Mirus Bio develops and markets viral vectors that are used to be introduced into the genetic material of cells, a key process in the development of cell and gene therapies.

In its press release, Merck KGaA states that this acquisition - which it considers 'strategic' - has been made from Gamma Biosciences, the life sciences subsidiary set up by US private equity giant KKR.

The transaction is expected to be finalized during the third quarter, once the usual regulatory approvals have been obtained.

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