EQT Reportedly Proposes to Acquire QIAGEN NV (QGEN.US) at Over $50 per Share; KKR Also Participating in Bidding

People familiar with the matter revealed that Swedish private equity firm EQT AB is in advanced talks to acquire European molecular testing company QIAGEN NV (QGEN.US) and has submitted a binding offer of more than $50 per share. The people also said that another private equity giant, KKR, is also participating in the bidding. Driven by the acquisition news, QIAGEN NV's US shares rose as much as 9.2% on Tuesday. The stock ultimately closed up 5.05% at $48.90, giving the company a market value of more than $10 billion. QIAGEN NV is also listed in Frankfurt. The people said that QIAGEN NV's board of directors will meet this week to make a decision on the potential transaction. However, whether the discussions will ultimately lead to QIAGEN NV being sold to EQT or another company remains uncertain. Representatives for QIAGEN NV, EQT and KKR all declined to comment. If the acquisition is completed, it would become one of the largest healthcare deals in Europe this year and is also expected to end years of acquisition speculation surrounding QIAGEN NV. Reports in January said that QIAGEN NV was evaluating strategic options.