LabCorp acquires Genzyme Genetics for $925 million

Laboratory Corporation of America^® Holdings (LabCorp®) (NYSE: LH), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which LabCorp will acquire Genzyme Genetics, a business unit of Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ: GENZ), in an all cash transaction valued at $925 million. Net of expected income tax benefits, less acquisition-related expenses, the acquisition has a net cash cost to LabCorp of approximately $795 million.

“This acquisition will substantially expand our capabilities in reproductive, genetic, hematology-oncology and clinical trials central laboratory testing. The acquisition of Genzyme Genetics provides us with an unprecedented opportunity for revenue growth in our key strategic focus areas of esoteric testing and personalized medicine.”

"Genzyme Genetics is among the premier genetics and oncology laboratories in the United States. It has an excellent clinical reputation, a track record of growth and innovation and outstanding people," said David P. King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LabCorp. "This acquisition will substantially expand our capabilities in reproductive, genetic, hematology-oncology and clinical trials central laboratory testing. The acquisition of Genzyme Genetics provides us with an unprecedented opportunity for revenue growth in our key strategic focus areas of esoteric testing and personalized medicine."

Genzyme Genetics is a leading provider of complex reproductive and oncology testing services and the preferred provider for such services to maternal fetal medicine specialists and obstetrician / gynecologists nationally. The business performs more than 1.5 million high-quality, high-clinical value tests annually with reported revenue in 2009 of approximately $371 million. The expansive menu of complex tests offered include technologies that span the continuum of care, ranging from maternal serum screening and prenatal diagnostics to carrier screening and postnatal testing services. Genzyme Genetics also has a broad network of board-certified geneticists and genetic counselors, offering infertility and prenatal genetic counseling expertise to physicians and patients.

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions set forth in the agreement, including the expiration or early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, with the goal of closing before the end of the year. LabCorp has obtained a financing commitment from Citi to provide debt financing for the transaction. Citi and Lazard acted as financial advisors to LabCorp in connection with the transaction.