Repligen Corp Set to Acquire BioLife Solutions in a $1.5 Billion Deal

Repligen Corp, a leading provider of drugmaking equipment, has announced its intention to acquire BioLife Solutions in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion. This strategic move aims to expand Repligen’s presence in the rapidly growing cell therapy market.

Source: s.yimg.com

The acquisition will provide Repligen with access to BioLife’s cutting-edge technology for preserving cells throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. Additionally, it will bring on board BioLife’s portfolio of cell-processing tools and high-margin consumables business.

The deal is significant, considering the recent growth in interest in companies that specialize in tools for drug development. This is evident in the $11.3 billion deal between German drugmaker Merck KGaA and Bio-Techne, announced just a month ago.

Cell Therapy Market Growth

The cell therapy market is witnessing a surge in demand, driven by the increasing focus on biologic drugs and gene therapy. Larger peers, such as Danaher, have signaled a recovery in demand for bioprocessing products, including equipment and consumables used in the manufacture of biologic drugs.

Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are ramping up spending after a broader slowdown in research spending and customer inventories in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, fueling the growth of the cell therapy market.

Deal Details

Under the terms of the deal, BioLife shareholders will receive $11.25 in cash and 0.1442 shares of Repligen for each share. This values the cell therapy tools supplier at $31 per share, representing a premium of approximately 6.2% to BioLife’s last close.

The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

The acquisition is expected to increase Repligen’s earnings and generate at least $20 million in savings in the first year after closing by cutting overlapping costs and improving efficiency.

BioLife’s Focus on Cell and Gene Therapy

BioLife had already been narrowing its focus on cell and gene therapy products before the sale. In October 2025, the company sold its evo cold-chain logistics unit for $25.5 million, leaving it more focused on products tied to cell and gene therapy.

This strategic shift has positioned BioLife as a key player in the cell therapy market, making it an attractive acquisition target for Repligen.