The era of CureVac as an independent, publicly traded company has drawn to a close. This significant milestone follows the completion of its acquisition by rival German biotech firm BioNTech, a move that consolidates a major portion of the nation’s mRNA expertise. As of January 16, 2026, the pioneering mRNA company’s shares ceased trading on the Nasdaq, marking its final step as a separate listed entity.
Strategic Consolidation in German Biotech
The takeover represents a strategic consolidation within Germany’s biotechnology sector. For BioNTech, based in Mainz, the acquisition bolsters its internal capabilities across several critical areas, including mRNA design, formulation technologies, and manufacturing capacity. The deal is particularly aligned with BioNTech’s oncology strategy, supporting the development of cancer immunotherapies and assets like the bispecific antibody candidate pumitamig, which is being advanced in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb.
Following the merger’s completion, CureVac’s former executive board voluntarily stepped down, with full leadership and control now residing with BioNTech.
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Overwhelming Shareholder Approval for the Share Swap
The transaction was structured as a pure share-exchange agreement. BioNTech’s exchange offer received substantial support from CureVac’s investor base. Approximately 86.75% of CureVac’s outstanding shares were tendered, corresponding to a total volume exceeding 195 million equities. In return, BioNTech delivered roughly 10.5 million of its own American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to the participating shareholders. At the time of the initial announcement in June 2025, the terms of the deal implied an equity value for CureVac of around $1.25 billion.
Final Steps in the Integration Process
According to BioNTech’s investor relations department, the internal reorganization following the takeover bid became legally effective on January 6, 2026. This made BioNTech the sole owner of the operational business. The legal successor, CureVac Merger B.V., was established through a merger, ensuring no CureVac shares remained in the hands of public shareholders. The formal delisting from the Nasdaq exchange occurred ten days later, on January 16.
BioNTech has stated its initial plan is to maintain existing organizational processes to ensure a seamless transition for operations. Subsequent phases will involve strategic and operational analyses to finalize the future structure and combined portfolio. This integration effectively unites a dominant share of Germany’s mRNA intellectual property and key patents under a single corporate roof.
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