Report: Carlyle on the Verge of Acquiring J&J's Blood-Testing Unit for $4B

Private equity giant Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) is reportedly close to completing a deal to acquire Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE:JNJ) ortho clinical diagnostics division for around $4 billion.

Earlier this year, J&J revealed plans to explore a sale of the business, which makes blood-screening equipment, lab blood tests and other tests that screen for viruses like HIV.

According to Reuters, Carlyle could reach an agreement on the J&J division within the next two weeks. The New York-based private equity firm beat out a rival bid from Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX) and conglomerate Danaher (NYSE:DHR), Reuters reported.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman said the company does not comment on “rumors or speculation.” Carlyle declined to comment.

Shares of New Brunswick, N.J.-based J&J ticked up 0.20% to $92.21 in premarket trading Tuesday morning. Carlyle, which has soared 36% so far this year, was inactive in premarket action.