Millipore, looking to raise shareholder value, says it may consider selling company

Millipore confirms it may explore sale of company

BILLERICA, Mass. — Millipore Corp., which provides equipment and services to the life sciences industry, has confirmed that its board is evaluating a possible sale or merger of the company.

The company said late Tuesday it has hired Goldman Sachs to act as a financial adviser and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP as a legal adviser to help it consider its options.

Millipore said it doesn’t have a timetable for its evaluation and won’t disclose developments until its board has approved a specific deal.

Millipore shares rose $4.97, or 5.6 percent, to close at $93.84. The stock surged Monday on media reports that lab equipment maker Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. had offered $6 billion for the company. Neither company has confirmed that the bid was made.