BY Richard Summerfield
Pfizer Inc is to acquire Array BioPharma Inc in a deal with a total enterprise value of $11.4bn, pending customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Pfizer has agreed to pay $48 per share in cash for each Array share held. The agreed price represents a 62 percent premium over Array’s closing price on Friday. The deal is expected to complete in the second half of 2019.
The deal will significantly improve Pfizer’s pipeline of drugs in the increasingly profitable oncology space. Array’s product portfolio includes two drugs in more than 30 clinical trials for different kinds of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer, which, the companies said, is the third most common form of cancer in the US.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to deploy our capital to bring breakthroughs that change patients’ lives while creating shareholder value,” said Albert Bourla, chief executive at Pfizer. “The proposed acquisition of Array strengthens our innovative biopharmaceutical business, is expected to enhance its long-term growth trajectory, and sets the stage to create a potentially industry-leading franchise for colorectal cancer alongside Pfizer’s existing expertise in breast and prostate cancers.”
“We are incredibly proud that Pfizer has recognised the value Array has brought to patients and our remarkable legacy discovering and advancing molecules with great potential to impact and extend the lives of patients in critical need,” said Ron Squarer, chief executive at Array . “Pfizer shares our commitment to patients and a passion for advancing science to develop even more options for individuals with unmet needs. We’re excited our team will have access to world-class resources and a broader research platform to continue this critical work.”
“We are very excited by Array’s impressive track record of successfully discovering and developing innovative small-molecules and targeted cancer therapies,” said Mikael Dolsten, chief scientific officer and president of worldwide research, development and medical at Pfizer. “With Array’s exceptional scientific talent and innovative pipeline, combined with Pfizer’s leading research and development capabilities, we reinforce our commitment to advancing the most promising science, regardless of whether it is found inside or outside of our labs.”
Array is expected to generate $274m in revenue this year, and that figure is expected to pass $1bn by 2022.
News: Pfizer makes $10.6 billion cancer bet in cash deal for Array Biopharma