By Echo Wang NEW YORK (Reuters) -Blackstone is weighing strategic options, including an initial public offering or a sale, for Ancestry.com, the hugely popular platform that helps users trace their genealogical roots, people familiar with the matter said. The buyout firm invited banks to pitch for an IPO of the Lehi, Utah-based company, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is not public. Requests for proposals were submitted by the banks earlier this week, they added. A p ...

Core Viewpoint - Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is acquiring 23andMe out of bankruptcy for $256 million, gaining access to a significant collection of genetic data and samples from over 15 million customers, which raises privacy concerns [1][4]. Company Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes 23andMe's Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services, and its biobank [1]. - The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending bankruptcy court and regulatory approvals [2]. Privacy and Compliance - Regeneron has committed to adhering to 23andMe's consumer-privacy rules and will collaborate with a court-appointed ombudsman to ensure compliance [3]. - The company aims to protect the dataset with high standards of data privacy and security [3]. Background on 23andMe - 23andMe was once valued at over $6 billion after going public in 2021 but has since dropped to a valuation of approximately $50 million due to various issues, including a $30 million settlement related to a data breach affecting nearly 7 million users [4][5]. - The company filed for bankruptcy in March, prompting the California Attorney General to advise customers to delete their data from 23andMe's database [5][8]. Leadership Changes - Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and CEO of 23andMe, stepped down on the day of the bankruptcy filing following internal conflicts with the board [9]. - All seven independent board members of 23andMe resigned in September, indicating significant governance issues within the company [9].