Abbott
(NYSE: ABT)
announced today that it expects to close the acquisition of Exact Sciences on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The medtech giant said it received all regulatory clearances necessary to complete the deal. Abbott raised $20 billion in an offering of notes to finance the deal earlier this month.
In November 2025, Abbott agreed to acquire Exact Sciences for approximately $21 billion. Madison, Wisconsin–based Exact Sciences develops cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Its portfolio includes the flagship Cologuard, a non-invasive test to screen for colorectal cancer.
The company also offers the established Oncotype Dx, alongside the Cancerguard test for multi-cancer early detection and the Oncodetect test for molecular residual disease and recurrence monitoring. Exact Sciences also has a pipeline of next-generation diagnostics designed to detect cancer even earlier. These can help optimize treatments and enable regular monitoring to better manage disease.
Abbott says the deal enables it to “enter and lead in fast-growing cancer screening and diagnostics segments.” It expects to serve millions of additional people through the Exact Sciences portfolio, expanding access to life-changing diagnostics.
The company said the acquisition adds a new growth vertical to its high-single-digit growth expectations. Abbott believes this establishes it as a leader in the growing cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics segments, which it values at $60 billion.
According to Abbott, the deal should add about $3 billion in incremental sales in 2026. That should increase its annual growth by approximately 0.5% and dilute 2026 adjusted EPS by approximately 20¢.
Robert B. Ford, chair and CEO, Abbott, said:
“Proactively shaping the portfolio to anticipate future medical needs while building long-term shareholder value remains at the core of our strategic framework. The addition of Exact Sciences enhances Abbott’s growth profile and strengthens our leadership in diagnostics. This transaction brings a powerful new platform in cancer screening and diagnostics into Abbott, advancing our mission to make care more accessible and give people more control over their health.”
