Qiagen moves forward with Digene merger

Netherlands-based Qiagen said that preliminary tabulations suggest that the number of shares tendered constitute well over 90% of Digene’s stock, meaning that the company can go on to effect a merger without the approval of the remaining shareholders. The company said that pro-ration calculations will be announced when completed, and payment for the Digene shares will be made as soon as practicable.

Additionally, the antitrust waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act expired at on July 16. The deal, which the companies announced in June, values diagnostics manufacturer Digene at $1.6 billion.