Roche Finalizes $1.5 Billion Acquisition of Poseida Therapeutics

Roche announced on Wednesday that it plans to complete its acquisition of U.S. biopharmaceutical company Poseida Therapeutics, which specializes in immune cell therapies aimed at treating various blood cancers. Roche has accepted nearly 65 million shares in Poseida, representing 66% of the company’s stock, at a price of $9 per share. The deal also includes a contingent payment of up to $4 per share, bringing the total value of the acquisition to approximately $1.5 billion.

This acquisition, first announced in November, is part of Roche’s strategy to strengthen its development pipeline and offset declining oncology sales. Roche confirmed it intends to finalize the purchase of Poseida without requiring a vote or meeting of Poseida’s stockholders. Following the acquisition, Poseida will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Roche, adding allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies to Roche’s portfolio. These therapies use genetically modified immune cells to target cancer cells and treat autoimmune diseases. Poseida is also advancing CAR-T programs for solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.