bluebird's Tender Offer Extended to April 18, 2025 Amid Carlyle and SK Capital's Strategic Move

Deal News | Apr 03, 2025 | The Carlyle Group

The Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners have announced an extension of their tender offer to acquire bluebird bio, Inc.'s outstanding common stock. Beacon Merger Sub, Inc., the acquisition vehicle, has pushed the offer's expiration to April 18, 2025, citing the need for additional time to satisfy remaining conditions including regulatory approvals. This move allows Bluebird's shareholders more time to participate in the offer. The tender offer is conducted under stringent terms described in official documents filed with the SEC, and the deposited shares as of April 2 were reported to be 65,120. The acquisition is a strategic move in genetic therapies, leveraging bluebird's expertise as a leader in gene therapies, alongside Carlyle's and SK Capital’s investment strategies in life sciences and other sectors. Both firms bring significant industry and financial acumen to this transaction aimed at transforming businesses for sustainable growth.

Sectors

  • Biotechnology
  • Private Equity
  • Pharmaceuticals

Geography

  • United States – The article discusses companies and activities primarily located within the United States, including headquarters in Washington, DC and New York, NY.

Industry

  • Biotechnology – bluebird bio operates in the biotechnology sector, specifically within gene therapy, focusing on groundbreaking therapies for genetic diseases.
  • Private Equity – The Carlyle Group and SK Capital Partners are involved as private equity firms, investing in and acquiring companies, including bluebird bio.
  • Pharmaceuticals – bluebird bio's activities in gene therapies for diseases such as sickle cell disease relate to the pharmaceuticals industry.

Financials

  • 65,120 shares – The number of bluebird bio shares that have been validly tendered and not withdrawn as of April 2, 2025.
  • $441 billion – The total assets under management by The Carlyle Group as of December 31, 2024.
  • $9 billion – The total assets under management by SK Capital Partners.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
bluebird bio, Inc.Target CompanyCompanyA leader in gene therapy solutions for severe genetic diseases, known for setting standards in the biotechnology field.
The Carlyle GroupAcquirerCompanyA global private equity firm managing over $441 billion in assets.
SK Capital Partners, LPAcquirerCompanyA private investment firm focused on the life sciences, specialty materials, and ingredients sectors, managing $9 billion in assets.
Beacon Merger Sub, Inc.Acquisition VehicleCompanyThe acquisition vehicle used by Carlyle and SK Capital for the tender offer.
Equiniti Trust Company, LLCDepositaryCompanyThe depositary responsible for managing the shares involved in the tender offer.