A Final Deadline for CureVac Shareholders

CureVac NL0015436031

Today marks a decisive cutoff point for investors holding CureVac equity. The takeover bid from rival BioNTech for the Tübingen-based mRNA pioneer expires at 3:00 PM Central European Time, drawing a years-long competitive saga to a close. What originated as a race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is concluding with the complete acquisition by the Mainz competitor. The critical unknown is the final tally of shareholders who have tendered their shares.

The transaction values CureVac at approximately $1.25 billion. BioNTech’s offer consists of 0.05363 of its own American Depositary Shares (ADS) in exchange for each single CureVac share. This proposal received overwhelming support during an extraordinary general meeting on November 25, where more than 99% of voting shareholders endorsed the deal. That decisive vote paved the way for today’s acceptance deadline.

Key Transaction Details:
* The acceptance period concludes today at 15:00 CET.
* Exchange ratio: 0.05363 BioNTech shares per CureVac share.
* Minimum acceptance threshold: 80% (subject to reduction to 75%).
* Shareholder meeting approval rate: 99.16%.

Since the deal’s announcement on June 12, CureVac’s stock performance has effectively mirrored that of a tracking certificate for BioNTech. Any independent momentum has vanished, with shareholders’ fortunes now tied directly to the acquiring company.

Implications for Remaining Holders

BioNTech is expected to disclose the final acceptance rate shortly after the deadline passes. Should it exceed the minimum threshold, a subsequent offer period of at least ten business days will commence. For those who continue to hold out, a squeeze-out procedure becomes a likely outcome, potentially forcing a sale under less favorable terms. Additionally, certain reorganization scenarios could trigger tax disadvantages, such as a 15% Dutch withholding tax.

Market sentiment indicates the deal is almost certain to proceed. The near-unanimous shareholder approval is widely viewed as a strong indicator that the tender offer will comfortably surpass the required minimum acceptance level.

Closing a Chapter in Biotech

This acquisition will see one of Germany’s most prominent biotech names delisted from public markets. CureVac, once a highly anticipated contender in the COVID-19 vaccine race, ultimately failed to meet its early promise. For BioNTech, the strategic move secures access to CureVac’s technology platform and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tübingen. Integration into the acquirer’s global network is intended to bolster BioNTech’s pipeline in oncology and infectious diseases.

For the investment community, today ends a period of significant volatility. Remaining CureVac shareholders should prepare for an imminent delisting from the Nasdaq. The formal merger and official de-listing are projected for early 2026.