Astellas Pharma to Acquire Audentes Therapeutics for $3 Billion to Expand Rare Neuromuscular Disease Portfolio

Beijing, March 3 – Astellas Pharma Inc. announced on Monday that it has agreed to acquire U.S.-based Audentes Therapeutics for approximately $3 billion in cash, aiming to strengthen its portfolio of therapies for rare neuromuscular diseases.

Under the agreement, Astellas will pay $60 in cash for each share of Audentes stock, representing a 110% premium over the stock’s closing price on Monday. Including all of Audentes’ common shares, options, restricted stock units, and other securities, the all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $3 billion.

The two companies stated that the transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of next year, subject to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.