(Reuters) -Blackstone and TPG have agreed to acquire medical diagnostics firm Hologic ( HOLX ) in an up to $18.3 billion deal, it said on Tuesday, marking one of the largest healthcare take-private transactions this year.

Under the agreement, Blackstone and TPG will pay $76 apiece in cash to acquire all outstanding Hologic ( HOLX ) shares, implying a premium of nearly 6% to stock's last closing price.

Shareholders are also eligible for a non-tradable right to receive up to $3 per share, contingent on certain global revenue goals for its breast health business in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, bringing the total potential payout to $79 per share.

Hologic ( HOLX ) shares were up more than 4% in premarket trading, after being briefly halted.

The company specializes in women's health diagnostics, including breast and cervical cancer screening and infectious disease testing.

It has seen steady growth in molecular diagnostics business and reported upbeat financial results, but flagged continued weakness in the breast health segment.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026.