Dive Brief:
- Thermo Fisher Scientific finalized the $1.1 billion sale of its microbiology unit to private equity firm Astorg, the companies said Wednesday.
- Luxembourg-based Astorg will operate the business as an independent company specializing in microbiology diagnostics, with about 2,400 employees and 13 manufacturing and R&D sites worldwide.
- Dirk Bontridder, former chief executive of PerkinElmer, has been named CEO of the business, which will launch under a new corporate brand later this year.
Dive Insight:
The acquired business provides diagnostic supplies and equipment for microbiological testing in clinical, pharmaceutical and food safety applications.
When the deal was announced in April, Astorg said Thermo Fisher’s microbiology business was central to testing workflows in the life sciences. The investment firm said it would support the business’ next phase of growth by accelerating innovation and strengthening its global position.
As part of Thermo Fisher's specialty diagnostics segment, the microbiology business generated $645 million in revenue in 2025, growing 2% over the prior year.
"This is a unique journey to create an independent global microbiology diagnostics company with an exceptional portfolio, talented teams and a long-standing reputation for quality, scientific excellence and customer service,” said Bontridder, who brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in life sciences, diagnostics and industrial technology to the new position.
Thermo Fisher CEO Marc Casper said in April that selling the microbiology business would provide the manufacturer of scientific instruments and laboratory equipment with additional capital that could be used to create shareholder value.
Competitors in the microbiology market include bioMérieux, Danaher, Germany’s Merck and Waters, which acquired microbiology products earlier this year in its combination with BD’s biosciences and diagnostic solutions businesses.
