bluebird Moves Forward with Carlyle and SK Capital Acquisition
Deal News | May 05, 2025 | SK Capital
Carlyle and SK Capital Partners, prominent private equity entities, alongside Beacon Parent Holdings, announced the receipt of all required regulatory approvals to acquire bluebird bio, Inc., a leading gene therapy company. Scheduled to wrap up by May 12, 2025, the transaction presents bluebird shareholders with an upfront payment of $3.00 per share and a contingent value right worth $6.84 per share. This acquisition is viewed as essential to prevent bluebird from defaulting on its loan obligations and to add value to shareholders. The merger's culmination will allow bluebird to intensify its focus on delivering transformative gene therapies addressing severe genetic diseases. Carlyle and SK Capital aim to bring strategic improvements and bolster operational capabilities to ensure long-term sustainability and growth for bluebird bio.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Private Equity
- Investment Management
Geography
- United States – The entire transaction involving bluebird bio, Carlyle, and SK Capital takes place in the United States, highlighting its relevance to the U.S. finance and biotech industries.
Industry
- Biotechnology – The acquisition involves bluebird bio, a company that focuses on gene therapy, which falls under the biotechnology sector.
- Private Equity – Carlyle and SK Capital Partners are both private equity firms involved in the acquisition process.
- Investment Management – The involvement of SK Capital and Carlyle exemplifies activities in the investment management sector as they manage and allocate substantial funds to strategic acquisitions.
Financials
- $3.00 per share upfront payment – Initial cash payment shareholders will receive under the merger agreement.
- $6.84 per share contingent value right – Additional cash payment contingent upon achieving specific net sales milestones.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| bluebird bio, Inc. | Target company | Company | A company focused on pioneering gene therapy treatments for severe genetic diseases. |
| Carlyle | Bidding Company | Company | A global investment firm managing a wide array of assets across private equity, credit, and investment solutions. |
| SK Capital Partners, LP | Bidding Company | Company | A private investment firm focusing on transformational investments in the life sciences and specialty materials sectors. |
| Beacon Parent Holdings, L.P. | Other Company | Company | Involved in the acquisition process of bluebird bio alongside Carlyle and SK Capital. |
| Innisfree M&A Incorporated | Information Agent | Company | The information agent assisting stockholders with the process of tendering their shares. |
| Hercules Capital | Other Company | Company | A lender to bluebird bio, representing financial interest and risk tied to bluebird's loan obligations. |