BioNTech Closes Acquisition of CureVac N.V. Including Subsequent Offering Period to Strengthen its Unique Position in the mRNA Field

Core Viewpoint - BioNTech has successfully completed the acquisition of CureVac, enhancing its mRNA technology capabilities and supporting its oncology strategy [1][6]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of CureVac was finalized on December 18, 2025, with the subsequent offering period for CureVac shares expiring at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day [1]. - A total of 195,341,219 CureVac shares, representing approximately 86.75% of the outstanding shares, were tendered in the exchange offer [3][6]. - BioNTech plans to complete the compulsory acquisition of the remaining CureVac shares in January 2026 as part of a post-offer reorganization [3][6]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition aims to complement BioNTech's proprietary technologies in mRNA design, delivery formulations, and manufacturing, thereby strengthening its position in the global mRNA industry [1][6]. - BioNTech's oncology strategy focuses on mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy candidates and a bispecific antibody candidate, pumitamig (BNT327/BMS986545), developed in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb [1][6]. - The merger is seen as a synergy of two pioneering German mRNA firms, contributing to the country's innovation agenda [2]. Group 3: Management and Operations - Following the acquisition, the Management Board of CureVac SE will consist of BioNTech executives, while former CureVac board members have resigned [2]. - CureVac will continue its existing organizational processes to ensure business continuity, while BioNTech will conduct strategic and operational analyses for future organizational setup [2][6].