Sanofi to Acquire Blueprint Medicines for $9.5 Billion to Expand Rare Disease Portfolio

PARIS, France – Sanofi, a leading European pharmaceutical company, has announced its agreement to acquire U.S.-based Blueprint Medicines Corporation for as much as $9.5 billion. This acquisition aims to strengthen Sanofi’s position in the rare immunology disease market, making it one of the largest healthcare transactions in Europe this year.

The two companies confirmed the deal on Monday, stating that Sanofi will initially pay $129.00 per share in cash, totaling approximately $9.1 billion. Following the announcement, Blueprint shares surged 27% to $128.74 in premarket trading, while Sanofi’s stock saw a slight decline of about 1%.

Sanofi’s acquisition follows its recent increase in research and development investments, which led the company to abandon previous long-term profit margin targets. CEO Paul Hudson emphasized that this acquisition represents a strategic advancement in Sanofi’s rare and immunology portfolios, enhancing its pipeline and accelerating the company’s transformation into a leading player in the immunology space.

Blueprint Medicines is noted for its treatment called Ayvakit, which is the only approved medication for systemic mastocytosis, a rare blood disorder characterized by an overproduction of abnormal mast cells. The deal also includes promising treatments such as elenestinib and BLU-808, which are in various stages of development and aimed at a broader range of immunological diseases.

Analysts from JP Morgan expressed that the acquisition makes both strategic and financial sense, noting that Blueprint expects Ayvakit to generate annual sales of around $2 billion by fiscal year 2030. They believe the deal will positively influence Sanofi’s valuation over time.

This acquisition continues Sanofi’s recent trend of mergers and acquisitions, following its purchase of Vigil Neuroscience for $470 million last month and a $2.2 billion deal earlier in the year. Hudson indicated that Sanofi still has considerable capacity for further acquisitions, aiming to invest at least $20 billion in the United States by 2030 to enhance both manufacturing and research.

Besides the $129.00 per share cash offer, Blueprint shareholders will receive one contingent value right (CVR) per share, which could yield additional potential payments of $2 and $4 based on the achievement of future development milestones for BLU-808. The total equity value, factoring in potential CVR payments, could reach $9.5 billion.

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Sanofi’s acquisition of Blueprint Medicines marks a significant step in its strategy to focus on high-growth areas in immunology and rare diseases.