Siemens Arm’s $16.4 Billion Varian Purchase Opens Path to DAX

The $16.4 billion purchase of Varian Medical Systems not only gives Siemens Healthineers AG an entry into cancer treatment -- one of the hottest areas in medical technology -- but also opens a potential path into Germany’s benchmark DAX index.

“The byproduct could be the DAX notation, but it wasn’t why we did this deal,” Chief Financial Officer Jochen Schmitz told reporters on Sunday. “From today’s view, we think we could achieve regular entry by next year.”

The Erlangen, Germany-based maker of MRI machines and laboratory equipment announced Sunday it’s offering $177.50 a share for Palo Alto, California-based Varian, 24% ...