bluebird Bio Announces Completion of Sale to Carlyle and SK Capital
Deal News | Jun 02, 2025 | The Carlyle Group
bluebird bio has announced the completion of its acquisition by Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners. The transaction results in bluebird ceasing to be a publicly-traded company, with Carlyle and SK Capital providing substantial capital for the expansion of bluebird's gene therapy programs. New management, led by CEO David Meek, aims to accelerate patient access to therapies for severe genetic diseases such as sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. The acquisition will enable bluebird to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve the patient experience, and strengthen partnerships with payers. The leadership team includes experienced professionals from the life sciences sector, underscoring a strong focus on achieving commercial excellence. Carlyle and SK Capital's involvement promises to support bluebird's ambitions to deliver scalable, life-changing therapies globally.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Private Equity
- Healthcare
Geography
- United States – bluebird bio is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, and the companies mentioned are based in the United States.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The article focuses on bluebird bio, a biotechnology company pioneering gene therapies for severe genetic diseases.
- Private Equity – The acquisition involves Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners, both significant players in the private equity sector.
- Healthcare – The article discusses the development and commercialization of gene therapies for critical health conditions.
Financials
- $453 billion – Carlyle's assets under management as of March 31, 2025.
- $10 billion – SK Capital's assets under management as of December 31, 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| bluebird bio | Target Company | Company | A biotherapeutics company focused on developing gene therapies for severe genetic diseases. |
| The Carlyle Group | Bidding Company | Company | A global investment firm with a diverse portfolio including healthcare and private equity. |
| SK Capital Partners | Bidding Company | Company | A private investment firm with a focus on life sciences and specialty materials. |
| David Meek | CEO of bluebird bio | People | Recently appointed CEO at bluebird bio following its acquisition. |
| Joe Bress | Partner and Global Co-Head of Healthcare at Carlyle | People | Involved in supporting the acquisition and growth strategy of bluebird bio. |
| Bali Muralidhar | Co-Managing Partner at Carlyle | People | Part of Carlyle’s life sciences investment team supporting bluebird bio. |
| Aaron Davenport | Managing Director at SK Capital | People | Involved in partnership with Carlyle to scale bluebird bio's operations. |