CureVac’s Nasdaq Exit Marks Final Chapter Following BioNTech Acquisition

The independent stock market journey of CureVac has concluded. The company's shares were officially delisted from the Nasdaq exchange, with the ticker symbol "CVAC" ceasing to exist. This move finalizes BioNTech's takeover, shifting the investment narrative entirely toward BioNTech's future trajectory for former CureVac shareholders.

BioNTech has assumed full control after completing the restructuring process tied to its acquisition offer. The delisting became effective on Friday, removing CureVac as a separately traded security.

Key details of the concluded transaction include:
* Transaction Value: Approximately $1.25 billion (pure stock-for-stock exchange)
* Tender Rate: 86.75% of CureVac shares tendered into the offer
* Shares Tendered: 195,341,219 CureVac shares
* SEC Deregistration: Expected 90 days after the filing of Form 15

By filing Form 25 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CureVac's U.S. reporting obligations have ended. BioNTech is now the sole owner of the entire CureVac business.

Strategic Consolidation in mRNA Technology

The acquisition transfers CureVac's complete mRNA technology platform and patent portfolio under BioNTech's umbrella. This strategic move consolidates key capabilities in mRNA design, drug delivery formulations, and manufacturing. Furthermore, it resolves previous legal disputes between the two entities and pools their research resources, particularly in cancer immunotherapies.

A leadership transition has occurred at CureVac SE. The former management team has stepped down, with Prof. Ugur Sahin, Sierk Poetting, and Ramón Zapata-Gomez now forming the executive board.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying CureVac?

Originally announced in June 2025, the deal was completed in December 2025. A subsequent offering period ran until December 18, 2025. The operational integration is now largely finalized with the delisting.

Implications for Former Shareholders

For previous investors, direct exposure to CureVac as a standalone company is over. Those who accepted the takeover offer now hold BioNTech equity or received a cash settlement per the offer's terms. Consequently, any future economic impact from the merged assets will be reflected solely in the performance of BioNTech's stock.

A deadline of January 27 remains for any remaining minority shareholders to submit appraisal claims. Administrative steps related to the acquisition are slated to conclude thereafter.

Market Analysis and Industry Context

In a related development, Goldman Sachs upgraded its rating for BioNTech to "Buy" on Friday. The investment bank cited the strengthened oncology pipeline and the strategic value of the combined mRNA platforms as key reasons. Analysts also noted that the removal of CureVac as an independent competitor in the mRNA segment better positions BioNTech for its targeted clinical milestones in 2026.

This takeover represents a continued wave of consolidation within the mRNA industry. BioNTech aims to enhance its expertise across the entire development spectrum, from initial design to production.

Looking Ahead: All Eyes on BioNTech

Following the January 27 deadline for minority shareholders, CureVac's independent capital market history will be fully closed. Future developments from the consolidated mRNA research efforts, especially in oncology, will exclusively benefit BioNTech. Updates will emerge through BioNTech's standard channels, such as clinical trial results and pipeline announcements in coming quarters.