Waters Corporation and BD announced a definitive agreement to combine BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters, creating an innovative life science and diagnostics leader with pioneering technologies and an industry-leading financial outlook. The agreement is structured as a tax-efficient Reverse Morris Trust transaction valued at approximately $17.5 billion.
Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
The companies expect that the transaction will create substantial shareholder value by:
Executive Commentary
Flemming Ornskov, M.D., M.P.H., Chairman, Waters, said:
"This transaction marks a pivotal milestone in Waters' transformation journey as we embark on a new chapter of growth and value creation. As the Board of Directors evaluated this opportunity throughout the process, it became evident that combining with BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business is an excellent strategic fit with complementary strengths. We are confident that this combination will accelerate our strategy in multiple high-growth markets and deliver substantial near- and long-term value to our shareholders."
Udit Batra, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Waters, said:
"Waters' transformation, marked by strong commercial execution and revitalized innovation, positions us well for this exciting next chapter. We see tremendous opportunity to immediately apply our expertise in instrument replacement, service plan attachment, and eCommerce expansion, and realize the full potential of the flow cytometry and specialty diagnostics portfolios. The combination doubles our accessible market to approximately $40 billion and allows us to accelerate value creation in multiple high-growth adjacencies such as bioseparations, bioanalytical characterization, and multiplex diagnostics, while increasing the ratio of our annually recurring revenues."
"We are bringing together two pioneering organizations with a rich history of delivering breakthrough innovations driven by strong R&D investment and a common customer-centric culture. I look forward to welcoming our talented and like-minded colleagues from BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business and leading the collective organization. Together, we will work to make this combination a resounding success for our stakeholders and deliver significant value for shareholders."
Tom Polen, Chairman, CEO and President, BD, said:
"We are bringing together complementary portfolios and channels that create an industry-leading life science and diagnostics company. We see an incredible opportunity to leverage both companies' commitments to unparalleled innovation, technology, and commercial presence to serve attractive high-growth end-markets, while simultaneously unlocking multiple new growth vectors. We couldn't be more confident that the combined company, under Udit's leadership, represents the best path to create substantial value for shareholders. Waters offers the right cultural fit for our Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions associates to flourish and continue their legacy of developing new-to-world, innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact on global healthcare."
"This transaction is an important milestone for BD, as it enhances our strategic focus as a leading medical technology company. BD is committed to unlocking long-term value through continued investment in our strong innovation pipeline, and operational and commercial excellence that will drive durable and profitable growth. BD will also receive a cash distribution of approximately $4 billion, which enhances our capital allocation framework, including a commitment to use at least half of the cash proceeds to repurchase shares, with the remaining balance allocated to debt repayment."
Additional Transaction Details
The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Waters and BD, is structured as a Reverse Morris Trust, where BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business will be spun-off to BD shareholders and simultaneously merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of Waters. BD's shareholders are expected to own approximately 39.2% of the combined company, and existing Waters shareholders are expected to own approximately 60.8% of the combined company. BD will also receive a cash distribution of approximately $4 billion prior to completion of the combination, subject to adjustment for cash, working capital, and indebtedness. The transaction is expected to be generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes to BD and BD's shareholders. Waters is expected to assume approximately $4 billion of incremental debt, which would result in a net-debt-to-adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio for the combined company of 2.3x at closing. The transaction is expected to close around the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2026, subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals, Waters shareholder approval, and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Management, Governaance, and Headquarters
Upon closing of the transaction, Udit Batra, Ph.D., Waters President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the new entity, and Amol Chaubal will serve as SVP and Chief Financial Officer. Executives from both companies will serve in key leadership roles to be announced at a later date. Up to two BD designees will join the Waters Board of Directors upon closing.
The combined company will continue to operate under the Waters name and retain its listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WAT. Waters' headquarters will remain in Milford, Mass., and the combined company will maintain a significant presence where the BD Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business currently operates.