Malvern, Pa.-based Siemens Healthineers has agreed to purchase Palo Alto, Calif.-based radiotherapy therapy company Varian Medical Systems for a staggering $16.4 billion. The combined company will offer an integrated platform of end-to-end oncology solutions to address the entire continuum of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to care delivery and post-treatment survivorship. 

“Today’s announcement represents an important milestone in our company’s history, and our Board is confident that this is the right path forward for Varian,” says Dow Wilson, president and CEO of Varian. “In addition to delivering immediate and compelling value to our shareholders, the combination with Siemens Healthineers brings us even closer to realizing our transformative vision of a world without fear of cancer. Siemens Healthineers’ innovative leadership in detection and diagnosis will extend our ability to serve clinicians and patients from the very first stage in the fight against cancer. And, we will be positioned to transform care for a greater number of patients worldwide.”

Wilson adds, “Varian’s innovative and patient-centric culture has enabled us to become an iconic leader in radiotherapy and multi-disciplinary cancer care, with a trusted global brand and strong customer loyalty. Siemens Healthineers values our talented and engaged employees and recognizes the strength of the Varian brand, our cutting-edge portfolio, and the relationships we’ve nurtured. We are thrilled to partner with them to extend our renowned customer care to reach more patients around the world.”

Dr. Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers AG also spoke out about the deal, commenting: “With this combination of two leading companies we make two leaps in one step: A leap in the fight against cancer and a leap in our overall impact on healthcare. This decisive moment in the history of our companies means more hope and less uncertainty for patients, an even stronger partner for our customers, and for society more effective and efficient medical care. Together with Varian’s outstanding and passionate employees, we will shape the future of healthcare more than ever before.”

The transaction is slated to close in the first half of 2021, subject to approval by Varian shareholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.