Feb 21 (Reuters) -

Genetic testing firm 23andMe Chief Executive Officer

Anne Wojcicki and investment firm New Mountain Capital have

submitted a proposal to take the company private, according to a

regulatory filing on Friday.

Both parties have jointly made an offer to buy the

company for $2.53 per share, a deal that would value the company

at $67.9 million.

Last month, 23andMe had said it was exploring strategic

alternatives, including a possible sale, in light of significant

doubts about its ability to sustain operations.

Wojcicki, who has been trying to take the company private

since April, has faced a tough challenge after independent

directors of 23andMe resigned in September, unsatisfied with the

take-private offer they received.

In July, the CEO and co-founder proposed buying all

outstanding shares of the firm not already owned by her or

affiliated entities for 40 cents each.