In what one analyst labeled as a “summer surprise,” Varian Medical Systems Inc. and Siemens Healthineers AG said they plan to combine in an all-cash transaction valued at $16.4 billion. Varian’s board has backed the agreement, which will see Siemens Healthineers pick up all outstanding shares for $177.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of about 42% to the 30-day volume weighted average closing price of Varian's common stock as of July 31. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2021.