Sobi terminates talks with unnamed suitor

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) has pulled out of talks with a suitor that was rumoured to be US drug giant Pfizer.

The rare diseases-focused drug developer terminated discussions earlier today, confirming that it had been in talks with an unnamed company for a few months.

Spokesman Oskar Bosson told us “On 27 April we informed the market that our Board had received a preliminary and conditional non-binding proposal in relation to a possible offer for all shares issued by the company.

In other words, we did not receive an actual offer. The discussions following the 27 April release has not resulted in an offer, instead our Board unanimously decided to terminate the discussions.”

Sobi said it will continue to focus on preparations for the upcoming planned launch of Elocta and Alprolix and on building value through its diverse and growing portfolio.

According to unnamed ‘people with knowledge of the situation’ quoted by Reuters earlier this year Pfizer was the bidder.

Sobi declined to name its spurned suitor. Bosson told us: “We see no point in commenting what party or parties might have been involved in the discussions as nothing materialized from these discussions."