BioNTech to Acquire CureVac in $1.25B All-Stock mRNA Deal

BioNTech is acquiring fellow German mRNA specialist CureVac in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $1.25 billion235.

CureVac shareholders will receive about $5.46 worth of BioNTech American Depositary Shares (ADSs) per CureVac share, representing a significant premium to recent trading prices35.

The acquisition adds CureVac’s mRNA technology, pipeline programs, and intellectual property to BioNTech’s existing portfolio, particularly strengthening BioNTech’s efforts in cancer immunotherapy and oncology research25.

The deal resolves ongoing patent litigation around mRNA technologies between the two companies and eliminates potential royalty costs for BioNTech2.

CureVac will be absorbed and its brand will no longer exist after the transaction closes, expected in 20254.

The acquisition is supported by CureVac's major shareholders and is designed to create long-term value by leveraging both companies’ complementary expertise in mRNA R&D and manufacturing5.

Both companies were rivals in the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine; BioNTech succeeded commercially with its Pfizer partnership, while CureVac’s efforts were less successful4.

BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin stated the acquisition will accelerate the development of innovative cancer treatments and help establish new standards of care for multiple cancer types35.

Sources:

2. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biontech-acquire-curevac-mrna-cancer-vaccines-patent-litigation/750544/

3. https://www.investopedia.com/covid-19-vaccine-maker-biontech-buys-curevac-as-it-aims-for-cancer-treatments-11753180

4. https://www.politico.eu/article/covid-19-vaccine-maker-biontech-to-acquire-former-rival-curevac/

5. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/12/3098162/0/en/BioNTech-Announces-Strategic-Transaction-to-Acquire-CureVac-in-Public-Exchange-Offer.html