Danaher said to be interested in Catalent, shares surge

Bloomberg cited people familiar with the matter as saying that the overtures by Danaher in recent months valued Catalent at a significant premium. It was unclear how Catalent will proceed or whether it’s receptive to a takeover offer, and sources said a deal is not imminent.

A representative for Catalent told Bloomberg that as a matter of company policy, it does not comment on market rumours or speculation, while a representative for Danaher didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Based in New Jersey, Catalent provides delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products. Meanwhile, Danaher has become a life sciences focused company since spinning out its industrial business arm Fortive Corp. in 2016.

Bloomberg said a combination of the two companies would be one of the largest transactions this year.

At 1235 GMT, Catalent shares were up 27% in pre-market trade at $70.95.