Abbott Finalizes $23 Billion Exact Sciences Acquisition to Control Cologuard Tests
Abbott has completed its $23 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences, gaining control of the Cologuard colorectal cancer screening test. Exact Sciences’ 7,000 employees—about half based in Madison—and its diagnostic labs will remain under Abbott as it expands into precision oncology.
1. Acquisition Finalized
On March 23, Abbott closed its $23 billion deal to acquire Exact Sciences, incorporating the company’s flagship Cologuard colorectal cancer screening test into Abbott’s diagnostics portfolio. The transaction, first announced in November, marks Abbott’s largest acquisition in its cancer screening and diagnostic segment.
2. Local Operations Preserved
Exact Sciences employs approximately 7,000 people, with about half based in Madison, Wisconsin. Abbott has pledged to maintain the company’s headquarters, labs and processing facilities in Madison, where Cologuard tests are manufactured and analyzed.
3. Strategic Expansion into Oncology Diagnostics
Abbott plans to leverage Exact Sciences’ expertise to deepen its presence in precision oncology, including ongoing development of blood-based colorectal cancer tests. The acquisition positions Abbott to compete more aggressively in the fast-growing cancer screening market and advance next-generation diagnostic offerings.