Becton Dickinson, a US medical device maker, is considering separating its life sciences unit valued at approximately $30 billion. The decision comes after activist investor Starboard Value took a stake in the company and pushed for the sale of its life sciences business.
The life sciences unit generates significant revenue, accounting for over a quarter of Becton’s total revenue with sales of $5.19 billion in 2024. This unit develops diagnostic products used to detect infectious diseases and cancers, as well as research materials.
Becton has divested other businesses in the past, including its diabetes care business in 2022 into Embecta Corp and sold its surgical instrumentation platform to Steris last year. The company is scheduled to announce its earnings results later this week.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/starboard-value-pushes-becton-dickinson-sell-life-sciences-unit-ft-reports-2025-02-03