Merck & Co is set to exit the genomic services and cancer diagnostics provider in an acquisition by Bio-Techne potentially sized at $320m.

Life science technology developer Bio-Techne agreed yesterday to acquire US-based genomic services and cancer testing kit provider Asuragen for up to $320m, enabling pharmaceutical firm Merck & Co to exit.

The deal consists of $215m in cash upfront and an additional $105m contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Matt McManus, chief executive officer of Asuragen, will join Bio-Techne and continue to lead the Asuragen business.

Asuragen provides genetic screening technology used in the study of inherited genetic disorders as…