UK's Binding Site to Be Acquired by Thermo Fisher for USD 2.6 Billion

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Nov 2022

Image: The Binding Site has entered into an agreement to combine with Thermo Fisher Scientific (Photo courtesy of The Binding Site Group)

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Waltham, MA; USA) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Binding Site Group (Birmingham, UK) in an all-cash transaction valued at USD 2.6 billion. The transaction, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Upon completion, The Binding Site will become part of Thermo Fisher's Specialty Diagnostics segment and is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share by USD 0.07 for the first full year of ownership.

Serving clinicians and laboratory professionals worldwide, The Binding Site provides specialty diagnostic assays and instruments to improve the diagnosis and management of blood cancers and immune system disorders. The Binding Site was founded by a group of researchers from the Medical School at Birmingham University that was researching innovative ways of producing antibodies in the early 1970s. Today, the company continues to build upon its specialist protein heritage offering an expanding menu of over 200 protein assays across a range of clinical diagnostic systems. As demand grew for its expanding range of specialist protein assays, The Binding Site introduced clinical diagnostic systems into its product offering in late 2007. Together, the company’s specialist protein systems and assays provide laboratories with a complete specialist protein solution. The Binding Site’s flagship assay, Freelite, is the only serum free light chain assay recommended by national and international guidelines for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of Multiple Myeloma and other B cell dyscrasias (cancers of the plasma cells).

The Binding Site has more than 1,100 employees globally and is an active and influential contributor to the broader scientific community. As an established leader in a fast-growing segment in which patient care has shifted towards early diagnosis and monitoring via regular testing, the company has an attractive financial profile. Its business has been growing approximately 10% annually and is on track to deliver more than USD 220 million of revenue in 2022. The strong clinical value of The Binding Site offering enables doctors across the globe to support millions of patients every year.

“This transaction perfectly aligns with our Mission and is an exciting addition to our existing specialty diagnostic offerings. With extensive expertise and a large and dedicated installed base in cancer diagnostics, The Binding Site will further enhance our specialty diagnostics portfolio,” said Marc N. Casper, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Thermo Fisher. “The Binding Site is extremely well-respected by researchers and clinicians alike for its pioneering diagnosis and monitoring solutions for multiple myeloma. We also know early diagnosis and well-informed treatment decisions for multiple myeloma can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. We are excited by the opportunity to enable further innovation in this area for the benefit of patients and look forward to welcoming The Binding Site team to Thermo Fisher.”

“This announcement marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for The Binding Site and is a testament to our team’s singular commitment to improving patient lives through the development and delivery of innovative solutions,” said Stefan Wolf, chief executive officer of The Binding Site. “The Binding Site has long been at the forefront of medical diagnostics and by joining the world leader in serving science, we will be even better positioned to accelerate scientific discovery and expand our product offering for the benefit of our colleagues, customers and, most importantly, the patients we serve.”