Quest Diagnostics to Acquire Celera, Strengthening Position as World's Leading Innovator in Molecular Diagnostics and Development
Provides Immediate Access to Proprietary Genetic Tests and Pipeline of Biomarkers to Drive Sustainable Growth
Berkeley HeartLab Brings Unique Esoteric Cardiovascular Test Offering and Specialized Sales Force
Adds Leading Genetic IVD Products and Development Capability
Transaction Valued at Approximately $344 Million, Net of Acquired Cash and Short-Term Investments
MADISON, N.J. and ALAMEDA, Calif., March 18, 2011 - Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, and Celera Corporation (Nasdaq: CRA), one of the world's pioneers in genetic diagnostics discovery and development, announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Quest Diagnostics will acquire Celera for $8 per share, representing a transaction value of approximately $344 million, net of $327 million in acquired cash and short-term investments. The transaction value is expected to be further reduced through the realization of a significant portion of Celera's available tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards and capitalized R&D, which totaled $117 million at the end of 2010. The transaction was approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Celera generated revenues of $128 million in 2010.
"For Quest Diagnostics, this is an important transaction which will further strengthen our leadership position in molecular diagnostics discovery and development and drive sustainable revenue growth. We will gain immediate access to an impressive range of proprietary tests and products, and a strong pipeline of biomarkers for the future," said Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quest Diagnostics. "This transaction advances our growth strategy to be the leading innovator and provider of esoteric and gene-based testing for cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and neurological disorders," continued Dr. Mohapatra. "I am pleased at the prospect of Celera's CEO Kathy Ordonez and key members of her team becoming part of Quest Diagnostics."
Kathy Ordonez, Chief Executive Officer of Celera, stated: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement through which Celera and our Berkeley HeartLab become part of the world's most respected diagnostic testing company. Our discovery and validation of new biomarkers has exceeded our capacity to commercialize them. Combining Celera's expertise in genetics with Quest Diagnostics' medical leadership, market access and scale is expected to speed the realization of our vision to personalize medicine. We believe this is a compelling transaction that accelerates the delivery of value to our shareholders."
Quest Diagnostics will acquire strategic assets and capabilities through the transaction, including:
o Immediate Access to Proprietary Genetic Tests and Pipeline of Biomarkers
to Drive Sustainable Growth. Celera was founded to sequence the human
genome and identify links between genetic variations and disease states.
Its renowned discovery program has identified numerous genetic
biomarkers that assess disease risk or help clinicians select
appropriate therapies for many diseases. Celera has generated a
portfolio of proprietary genetic biomarkers for numerous key clinical
needs across the disease spectrum, and has about 100 issued or pending
patents. In addition, Celera's current research and development pipeline
is focused on cardiovascular disease and cancer and is expected to
produce significant value.
o Berkeley HeartLab's Unique Test Offering and Specialized Sales Force
Enhances Leading Position in Gene-based and Esoteric Cardiovascular
Testing. Berkeley HeartLab offers proprietary cardiovascular tests sold
through its specialized sales force and supported by clinical educators
who provide patient disease management services. Its leading tests
include: HDL and LDL lipoprotein analysis to help characterize a
patient's cardiovascular disease risk; KIF6 genotyping test to predict
risk of coronary heart disease and response to statin therapy; 9p21
genotyping test to predict the risk of early onset myocardial
infarction; and LPA genotyping test to predict risk of coronary heart
disease and response to aspirin therapy.
o Adds Leading Genetic In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Products and Development
Capability. Celera develops, manufactures and commercializes test kits
and reagents and is a leading provider of molecular test products for
transplantation genetics, Cystic Fibrosis, HIV drug resistance and
Fragile X syndrome.
Quest Diagnostics expects the acquisition to be dilutive to its GAAP earnings per share by an immaterial amount in 2011, before anticipated charges related to the transaction. The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on Quest Diagnostics' 2012 EPS. Assuming a close of the transaction at the end of April, 2011, Quest Diagnostics expects Celera to add just over 1% to its 2011 revenue growth.
Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Quest Diagnostics, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, will promptly commence a cash tender offer to purchase all the outstanding shares of common stock of Celera for $8 per share in cash. The tender offer is expected to be commenced within seven business days of today's date, and will be followed by a merger, in which all the shares of Celera common stock that have not been tendered into the tender offer will be converted into the right to receive $8 per share in cash. The completion of the tender offer is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including that a majority of the outstanding shares of Celera common stock (calculated on a fully-diluted basis) are tendered into the tender offer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is not subject to any financing condition as Quest Diagnostics has secured fully committed bridge financing for the transaction.
Celera is today reporting its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2010 in a separate press release.
Conference Call Today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Quest Diagnostics will discuss the transaction during a conference call for investors today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The public may access the conference call through a live audio webcast available on Quest Diagnostics' Investor Relations Internet site at www.QuestDiagnostics.com/investor. The conference call can also be accessed in listen-only mode by dialing 415-228-4961, passcode 3214469. The company suggests participants dial in approximately 10 minutes before the call. Registered analysts may access the call at: www.streetevents.com. In addition, a replay of the call may be accessed online at www.QuestDiagnostics.com/investor or by phone in the U.S. at 800-685-0912 toll-free for domestic callers, or 402-998-0879 for international callers. No access code will be required. Telephone replays will be available from 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on March 19 until midnight Eastern Time on April 18, 2011.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. More information is available at: www.QuestDiagnostics.com.
About Celera
Celera is a healthcare business delivering personalized disease management through a combination of products and services incorporating proprietary discoveries. Berkeley HeartLab, a subsidiary of Celera, offers services to predict cardiovascular disease risk and improve patient management. Celera also commercializes a wide range of molecular diagnostic products through Abbott and has licensed other relevant diagnostic technologies developed to provide personalized disease management in cancer and liver diseases. Information about Celera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available at www.Celera.com.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; Celera Corporation
CONTACT: For Celera: David Speechly, PhD. +1-510-749-1853; or For Quest Diagnostics: Kathleen Valentine (Investors), +1-973-520-2900, or Gary Samuels, (Media), +1-973-520-2800
Web Site: www.QuestDiagnostics.com
