Qiagen surges after confirming potential takeover talks

Shares in Qiagen jumped on Monday after the genetic testing company said it was contemplating options that included a possible sale.

Just last Wednesday, the Frankfurt-listed company had seen its shares leap by 14% after reports suggested that it had been approached by American biotechnology giant Thermo Fisher Scientific.

A statement released by the company on Friday said: "These discussions aim to explore potential strategic alternatives that could provide greater value creation opportunities than the already strong stand-alone growth prospects for the company."

However, Qiagen said there was no guarantee that talks would lead to an agreement.

The discussions for a potential sale follow a difficult period for the company, with its long term chief executive Peer Schatz having stood down last month when Qiagen reported weaker than expected third quarter sales after a lacklustre performance in China.

Qiagen shares were up 9.40% at €37.24 at 1530 GMT.