Beckman Coulter's Biosite Acquisition 'Strategic,' Analysts Say

Beckman Coulter will acquire all of Biosite's outstanding common stock in a cash tender offer of approximately $1.55 billion, the company announced. The transaction is expected to immediately accelerate Beckman Coulter's revenue growth, the firm said.

Lazard Capital Markets called Beckman Coulter's acquisition of the biomedical company "strategic but expensive." It noted that chemistry and immunoassay price wars are a concern as competitors look to regain lost share.

However, the analysts maintained a "buy" rating for the firm, saying this deal is self-funding and cash-flow-positive immediately. "International opportunity alone could justify investment," they said.