Biontech Plans Acquisition of Curevac in Major Biotech Move

Thu 12th Jun, 2025

A significant development in the German biotechnology sector has emerged as Biontech, the Mainz-based company renowned for its mRNA technology, announced plans to acquire its rival Curevac from Tübingen. This revelation follows a competitive history between the two firms during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Biontech's vaccine garnered worldwide acclaim while Curevac faced challenges.

The acquisition is projected to be valued at approximately $1.25 billion, with Biontech intending to finance the deal entirely through stock. The proposal offers Curevac shareholders, including the German government, a price of about $5.46 per share, representing a 55% premium over the stock's weighted average price over the past three months. A minimum acceptance threshold of 80% of Curevac's shares has been set, although Biontech reserves the right to lower this to 75% under certain conditions. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

Biontech's CEO expressed optimism regarding the acquisition, emphasizing the intention to expand their established position in mRNA technology and enhance their capabilities by integrating Curevac's expertise. The acquisition is seen not only as a strategic move to bolster Biontech's competitive edge on the global stage but also as a significant step towards advancing mRNA applications in medicine.

Similarly, Curevac's leadership has endorsed the acquisition, highlighting a shared commitment to leveraging mRNA technology for innovative therapies. The synergy between the two companies is anticipated to enhance their collective ability to bring transformative treatments to a broader patient population.

The collaboration marks a notable shift from their previously adversarial relationship during the pandemic, where both companies vied for recognition in developing effective vaccines against COVID-19. While Biontech emerged victorious with its vaccine, Curevac struggled with its initial vaccine candidate, leading to a decline in its market standing.

Prior to this acquisition, Curevac had been working on its second-generation mRNA vaccine in collaboration with GSK, which may hold considerable value for Biontech's ongoing oncology initiatives. As Curevac refocused its efforts away from COVID-19 vaccines, it has positioned itself to contribute to Biontech's robust pipeline, particularly in cancer therapies.

In terms of employment, while the future of Curevac's workforce remains uncertain, the integration into Biontech's operations could provide new opportunities at a larger scale. Both companies have expressed a commitment to maintaining a positive work culture that prioritizes scientific advancement.

The implications of this acquisition extend beyond the companies involved; it positions Germany as a leader in the biotechnology arena, aligning with governmental objectives to strengthen the nation's industrial capabilities in health and technology. The merger of these two pioneering firms is seen as a way to safeguard innovation within Germany, preventing potential foreign buyouts.

In summary, the acquisition of Curevac by Biontech stands to reshape the landscape of the German biotechnology industry, combining resources and expertise to enhance the development of mRNA-based therapies and fortifying the nation's role in global health innovation.


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