bluebird Board Backs Carlyle and SK Capital Acquisition
Deal News | May 05, 2025 | The Carlyle Group
Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners have received all necessary regulatory approvals to proceed with acquiring bluebird bio. This acquisition will be conducted through a tender offer expiring on May 12, 2025. bluebird bio, known for its advancements in gene therapy, is set to be acquired at $3.00 per share in cash upfront, plus a contingent value right of $6.84, totaling a potential $9.84 per share. The bluebird board fully endorses the offer and recommends shareholders accept to avoid potential defaults on loan agreements, which could negatively impact shareholder value in the case of bankruptcy or liquidation. The acquisition promises to pave a new chapter for bluebird's commercial work in gene therapy, aiming to enhance its position in severe genetic diseases treatments. Carlyle intends to leverage its global investment expertise, along with SK Capital's operational insights, to optimize bluebird's future commercial success.
Sectors
- Gene Therapy
- Private Equity
- Biotechnology
Geography
- United States – bluebird bio is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, and the stakeholders, Carlyle and SK Capital, operate significantly within the USA.
- Global – Both Carlyle Group and SK Capital have global operations and investment interests, making the acquisition of bluebird bio a matter of international investment interest.
Industry
- Gene Therapy – bluebird bio is a pioneering company in the gene therapy field, focusing on severe genetic diseases, making this industry classification relevant.
- Private Equity – Carlyle Group and SK Capital, major private equity firms, are involved in the acquisition of bluebird bio.
- Biotechnology – bluebird bio operates in the biotechnology space, developing therapies for genetic diseases.
Financials
- $9.84 – Total potential value per share offered to bluebird bio's stockholders.
- $3.00 – Upfront cash payment per share under the merger agreement.
- $6.84 – Contingent value right per share, payable upon achieving a specific sales milestone.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| bluebird bio, Inc. | Target Company | Company | A company specializing in gene therapy for severe genetic diseases, providing innovative solutions in the biotechnology sector. |
| Carlyle Group | Acquiring Company | Company | A leading global investment firm with significant private equity interests. |
| SK Capital Partners | Acquiring Company | Company | A private investment firm focusing on life sciences, specialty materials, and ingredients sectors. |
| Innisfree M&A Incorporated | Information Agent | Company | Acts as the information agent for bluebird bio's stockholders in the tender offer process. |
| Mark Vachon | Chairman of the Board | Person | Chairman of bluebird bio's Board of Directors, advocating for the merger as the best option for shareholders. |
| Andrew Obenshain | CEO of bluebird bio | Person | The CEO of bluebird bio, promoting the transaction as beneficial for the company's future in gene therapy. |