Thermo Fisher sells microbiology unit to Astorg for $1.08B

Thermo Fisher Scientific has agreed to sell its microbiology business to private equity firm Astorg for $1.08 billion. The unit, which generated $645 million in revenue in 2025, provides products for clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food safety testing. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Thermo Fisher stated the sale aligns with its strategy to focus on higher-growth areas. Astorg, which specializes in healthcare and technology investments, plans to operate the business as a standalone entity. The deal includes manufacturing facilities and intellectual property related to microbial detection and identification systems.