CureVac Exits Public Markets Following BioNTech Acquisition

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The independent public trading journey of CureVac has concluded. As a result of its complete acquisition by competitor BioNTech, trading in the shares of the Tübingen-based mRNA pioneer was suspended this Tuesday. This move delists a company once viewed as a beacon of hope for German biotechnology, which ultimately failed to achieve a commercial breakthrough on its own.

The transaction values CureVac at approximately $1.25 billion (around €1.19 billion). For Mainz-based BioNTech, the deal is a strategic expansion. It secures not only the production facilities in Tübingen but, more importantly, the intellectual property and oncology research pipeline of its former rival. All operational assets and liabilities have been transferred to BioNTech.

Through a share exchange agreement, former CureVac shareholders have now become shareholders of BioNTech. This provides an exit for investors after a period characterized by significant cash consumption and disappointing share performance. Over a 12-month period prior to the trading halt, the stock had lost roughly 13.70% of its value, last trading at €3.89.

The Delisting Timeline Formally Begins

CureVac formally notified the Nasdaq exchange of the reorganization's completion on Tuesday, leading to the trading suspension before market open. The formal delisting process is now underway with the filing of a "Form 25" with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The official removal from the listing is scheduled for January 16, 2026. Following this date, the remaining entity plans to deregister, relieving itself of all ongoing financial reporting obligations. This eliminates the possibility for investors to directly invest in CureVac as a standalone entity.

Closing a Chapter of Volatility

This exit marks the end of a volatile period as a publicly traded company. Founded in the year 2000, CureVac possessed promising technology but was unsuccessful in independently bringing a commercial product to market. A particularly notable setback was its failure to secure a leading position in the competitive race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting January 16, the focus shifts entirely to BioNTech's integration efforts. Former CureVac investors will now participate directly in the development of the Mainz company, with no separate financial reports to be issued for the Tübingen division going forward.