BUZZ - Cencora to acquire US Oncology Network for $2.4 billion; stock price falls

October 21 - ** Cencora (COR.N) shares fell nearly 2% in pre-market trading, at $338.27

** The pharmaceutical distributor will acquire (link) cancer care service provider American Oncology Network AONC.PK

** The deal is valued at up to $2.4 billion, with $2.3 billion to be paid at closing and up to $100 million in contingent value rights

** The company currently holds about 4% of AONC's equity and will acquire the remaining shares

** The transaction is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in the second year after closing

** COR now expects adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 to be at least $17.90, at the upper end of the prior forecast range of $17.75 to $17.95

** This transaction follows the company's $5 billion acquisition of a majority stake in OneOncology in 2025

** Competitors McKesson (MCK.N) and Cardinal Health (CAH.N) have also acquired oncology networks in recent years

** As of the last trading session close, shares had gained 1.6% year-to-date

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