bluebird bio, a Somerville, Massachusetts-based company specializing in gene therapies, has agreed to be acquired by funds managed by the global investment firms, Carlyle and SK Capital Partners.  

David Meek, former CEO of Mirati Therapeutics and Ipsen, is expected to become CEO of bluebird bio upon closing. Carlyle and SK Capital will provide bluebird bio primary capital to scale bluebird’s commercial delivery of gene therapies for sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, a rare neurologic disease. 

Under the agreement, bluebird bio stockholders will receive $3.00 per share in cash and a contingent value right per share, entitling the holder to a payment of $6.84 in cash per contingent value right if bluebird’s current product portfolio achieves $600 million in net sales in any trailing 12-month period prior to or ending on December 31, 2027, for a potential total value of up to $9.84 per share in cash, subject to the tender of a majority of the outstanding shares of bluebird, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions. bluebird’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the agreement and recommends that stockholders tender their shares.  

Source: bluebird bio