The deal marks the first major international move into the healthcare business for Exor, which will soon have 9 billion euros ($9.6 billion) to invest after the closing of the sale of Bermuda-based reinsurer Partner Re, expected soon.

Exor will acquire the stake in Institut Merieux - which controls five companies in different healthcare businesses, including Paris-listed bioMerieux - through a reserved capital increase.

The deal is expected to be completed during the summer.

($1 = 0.9625 euros)

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari, editing by Giulia Segreti)