Danaher Corp (DHR.N) has struck a deal to buy medical diagnostics company Beckman Coulter Inc (BEC.N) for $5.8 billion cash, in its biggest bet yet on its growing medical technology business. At $83.50 per share, the deal values Beckman at 11 percent more than its closing price on Friday and roughly 45 percent above the company's price in December before rumors of a takeover entered the marketplace. Beckman shares jumped 9.7 percent to $82.49 in morning trading, a bit below the offer price -- suggesting investors do not expect a higher bidder to emerge. Danaher was up 4 percent at $49.90 after rising to $50.29, a lifetime high.
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