Thermo Fisher launches $12 billion bid for Qiagen

Adds details, context

FRANKFURT, March 3 (Reuters) - Instruments maker Thermo Fisher TMO.N has launched a 10.4 billion euro ($11.59 billion) bid for genetic testing company Qiagen NV QIA.DE, QGEN.N, Qiagen said on Tuesday.

At 39 euros per share, the offer price represents a 23% premium to Qiagen's closing price on March 2, the company said, adding the bid assumed 1.26 billion euros in net debt.

Qiagen in November said it had started to review options, including a sale, after the group received several indications of interest from potential suitors.

($1 = 0.8977 euros)

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Michelle Martin)

((christoph.steitz@thomsonreuters.com; +49 69 7565 1269; Reuters Messaging: christoph.steitz.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.