Charles River Laboratories (Massachusetts) May be Split Up

Shares of the research-services firm Charles River Laboratories have been put in play by yet another round of speculation that it’s in buyout talks with an undisclosed suitor. The company, which provides services t to biotech and pharmaceutical firms, hasn’t commented on the latest rumors, which hold that a $40-a-share bid is looming on the horizon. According to analysts at William Blair & Co., given all the recent M&A activity in the sub-sector, a buyout is more than plausible, as is a deal that would separate the company’s research models and services unit from its preclinical services division.