Novartis is to acquire the US cancer diagnostics services company Genoptix in an all-cash deal that is worth US$470 M. Novartis will pay US$25 for all outstanding shares of Genoptix common stock, which represents a 27% premium over Genoptix’s closing price on the last day of trading before the deal was announced. The purchase will strengthen Novartis’ therapeutic oncology business and the acquired company will be integrated into Novartis’ Molecular Diagnostics unit.