Abbott Laboratories has agreed to acquire diagnostic-test company Alere Inc for $5.8 billion, according to multiple news reports.

Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will pay $56 per common share at a total expected equity value of $5.8 billion. Once the transaction is completed, Abbott will become the leading diagnostics provider of point of care testing. Abbott’s total diagnostics sales will exceed $7 billion after the close.

Abbott will be able to provide new, flexible, cost-effective, high-quality products to help health systems meet growing demand in both in-patient and out-patient settings. Alere’s complementary portfolio of products will provide Abbott access to new channels and geographies, including entry into fast-growing outlets, such as doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies and at-home testing.

“The combination of Alere and Abbott will create the world’s premier point of care testing business and significantly strengthen and grow Abbott’s diagnostics presence,” said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. “We want to offer our customers the best and broadest diagnostics solutions. Alere helps us do that.”