Roche-Spark deal delayed, again

April 26, 2019

Roche announced another extension of its $4.3 billion offer for gene therapy specialist Spark Therapeutics, saying the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) needs even more time to complete its review.

Earlier this month, Roche had extended its offer until May 2. The newest extension, with the same terms and conditions, will be valid until June 3.

Roche said it will withdraw and refile the premerger notification and report form, but still expects the deal to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Spark, however, is facing several shareholder lawsuits challenging the buyout, on grounds that it undervalues Spark’s stock and is unfair to shareholders.

Read the Reuters coverage.