Abbott Laboratories agreed to acquire cancer diagnostics company Exact Sciences for $23 billion, a deal that would significantly expand Abbott’s presence in oncology testing. Company executives described the acquisition as a strategic move to enter screening, therapy selection and recurrence monitoring—areas where Exact holds market positions with Cologuard, Oncotype DX and other assets. Analysts noted the transaction validates the central‑lab, single‑site diagnostics model and could spark further consolidation among molecular testing players. Abbott said the deal will broaden its addressable diagnostics market and intends to integrate Exact’s offerings into its global diagnostics portfolio pending regulatory clearance.