Aug 6 (Reuters) - Bio-Techne ( TECH ) reported

better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and profit on

Wednesday, helped by steady demand for its proteins, antibodies

and other products for research.

The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company develops and makes

products used in medical research, drug development and

diagnostics.

Larger peers Thermo Fisher and Danaher ( DHR ) last

month flagged robust demand across regions for their drug

development products such as instruments and analytical tools

after two years of weak biotech funding.

Despite ongoing market uncertainty, Bio-Techne ( TECH ) reported

strong performance in its cell therapy and protein analysis

instrumentation units, supported by a resilient pharma market,

CEO Kim Kelderman said in a statement.

On an adjusted basis, the company posted a profit of 53

cents per share, beating analysts' average estimate of 50 cents,

according to data compiled by LSEG data.

Revenue was up 3.6% at $316.96 million, ahead of estimates

of $315.60 million, driven by its protein sciences unit. The

company's largest segment develops and manufactures biological

compounds used for research and diagnostics.

Late on Tuesday, Bio-Techne ( TECH ) said Belgium-based diagnostics

firm Mdxhealth SA ( MDXH ) will buy its Exosome Diagnostics

business in an all-stock deal valued at $5 million.

The deal will allow the company to increase its focus on

high-growth areas, particularly tools for research and precision

diagnostics, Kelderman said.

The transaction is expected to close in the next quarter.

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru)