bluebird bio Enters Acquisition Agreement with Carlyle and SK Capital
Deal News | Mar 10, 2025 | Orrick
In a strategic move to advance its reach in gene therapy, bluebird bio, a biotechnology firm specializing in gene therapies for severe genetic diseases, has agreed to be acquired by Beacon Parent Holdings, L.P. in collaboration with Carlyle Group and SK Capital. The transaction includes engagement with experienced biotech executives such as David Meek, Robert Mulroy, and Debasish Roychowdhury, and aims to leverage primary capital towards scaling bluebird's gene therapy commercialization efforts, especially targeting conditions like sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. Orrick was the legal advisor for Beacon Parent Holdings, Carlyle, and SK Capital in this agreement.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Private Equity
- Healthcare
Geography
- United States – bluebird bio is a NASDAQ-listed American biotechnology company, and the transaction has substantial implications for the US markets.
- Global – With Carlyle Group's and SK Capital's involvement being international firms and the global relevance of gene therapy advancements.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Relevant because bluebird bio is involved in biotechnological innovation with a focus on gene therapies.
- Private Equity – The involvement of Carlyle Group and SK Capital as financial backers defines the private equity industry's participation.
- Healthcare – bluebird bio's development of gene therapies for serious medical conditions categorizes it under the healthcare sector.
Financials
- – The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| bluebird bio | Target | Company | A biotechnology company focused on gene therapies for severe genetic diseases. |
| Carlyle Group | Bidding Company | Company | A global investment firm partnering in the acquisition. |
| SK Capital | Bidding Company | Company | A private investment firm specializing in the chemicals, materials, and pharmaceuticals sectors, involved in the acquisition. |
| Beacon Parent Holdings, L.P. | Purchaser | Company | Acting as the acquiring entity in the take private transaction. |
| Orrick | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Beacon Parent Holdings, Carlyle, and SK Capital for the transaction. |
| David Meek | Biotech Executive | Person | Part of the experienced team of biotech executives engaged in the transaction. |
| Robert Mulroy | Biotech Executive | Person | Part of the experienced team of biotech executives engaged in the transaction. |
| Debasish Roychowdhury | Biotech Executive | Person | Part of the experienced team of biotech executives engaged in the transaction. |