Araris Biotech Secures Acquisition Agreement with Taiho Pharmaceuticals
Deal News | Mar 18, 2025 | Legal Community Swiss
BGPartner, a Swiss legal advisory firm, provided counsel to Araris Biotech, a biotechnology spin-off from the Paul Scherrer Institute and ETH Zurich, on its acquisition by Taiho Pharmaceutical, a Japanese company. Araris Biotech specializes in developing next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The acquisition deal includes a share purchase agreement that introduces a $400 million payment at closing, expected in the first half of 2025, with potential additional milestone payments up to $740 million. Legal advisory for Swiss matters was handled by BGPartner, led by partner Oliver Gnehm and his associates, while Cooley LLP, based in Palo Alto, managed the US legal aspects. This acquisition marks a significant investment by Taiho in biotechnology advancements, with continued potential collaboration between the entities.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- Switzerland – Araris Biotech, the target company, is based in Switzerland.
- Japan – Taiho Pharmaceutical, the acquiring company, is based in Japan.
- United States – Cooley LLP, the US-based law firm, advised on US legal matters for this transaction.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Araris Biotech's specialization in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) places it within the biotechnology industry.
- Pharmaceuticals – Taiho Pharmaceutical's engagement in acquiring Araris Biotech highlights its role in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Legal Advisory – BGPartner's representation of Araris Biotech in the transaction illustrates involvement in the legal advisory sector.
Financials
- USD 400 million – Initial payment by Taiho Pharmaceutical at the closing of the acquisition.
- USD 740 million – Potential additional milestone payments contingent on company reaching specified targets.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araris Biotech | Target Company | Company | A Swiss biotechnology company developing next-generation ADCs. |
| Taiho Pharmaceutical | Bidding Company | Company | A Japanese pharmaceutical company acquiring Araris Biotech. |
| BGPartner | Legal Advisor | Company | Swiss legal counsel for Araris Biotech in the sale to Taiho Pharmaceutical. |
| Cooley LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided advice on US legal matters for the transaction. |
| Paul Scherrer Institute | Research Collaborator | Company | Contributed to Araris Biotech's establishment and development. |
| ETH Zurich | Research Collaborator | Company | Academic institution involved in Araris Biotech's origins and development. |