Hologic A Step Closer To Gen-Probe Acquisition

NEW YORK (AP) -- Medical device maker Hologic Inc. came a step closer to completing its $3.76 billion acquisition of diagnostic test maker Gen-Probe Inc. after it passed a regulatory bar.

The companies said Tuesday that a 30-day waiting period required by antitrust law passed without a request for information from the Federal Trade Commission.

The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter.

Gen-Probe provides molecular diagnostics products and services, including several tests for sexually transmitted diseases. Hologic said the addition of Gen-Probe will establish it as a premier company in STD diagnostics.

Hologic, based in Bedford, Mass., agreed in April to pay $82.75 for each share of Gen-Probe. The San Diego company has about 45.4 million outstanding shares, so the deal is worth about $3.76 billion.