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CARGO Therapeutics Enters into Agreement to Be Acquired by Concentra Biosciences for $4.379 in Cash per Share Plus a Contingent Value Right

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CARGO Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRGX), a biotechnology company focused on CAR T-cell therapies, has announced a definitive merger agreement with Concentra Biosciences. Under the agreement, Concentra will acquire CARGO for $4.379 in cash per share plus a contingent value right (CVR).

The CVR includes 100% of CARGO's closing net cash exceeding $217.5 million and 80% of net proceeds from any disposition of certain product candidates within two years post-closing. The tender offer will commence by July 21, 2025, requiring at least a majority of shares and minimum cash of $217.5 million at closing. Approximately 17.4% of stockholders have already agreed to tender their shares, with the transaction expected to close in August 2025.

CARGO Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRGX), un'azienda biotecnologica specializzata in terapie CAR T-cell, ha annunciato un accordo definitivo di fusione con Concentra Biosciences. Secondo l'accordo, Concentra acquisirà CARGO per 4,379 dollari in contanti per azione più un diritto di valore contingente (CVR).

Il CVR include il 100% della liquidità netta di chiusura di CARGO che supera i 217,5 milioni di dollari e l'80% dei proventi netti derivanti dalla cessione di determinati candidati a prodotto entro due anni dalla chiusura. L'offerta pubblica di acquisto inizierà entro il 21 luglio 2025, richiedendo almeno la maggioranza delle azioni e un minimo di liquidità di 217,5 milioni di dollari alla chiusura. Circa il 17,4% degli azionisti ha già accettato di offrire le proprie azioni, con la transazione prevista per la chiusura ad agosto 2025.

CARGO Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRGX), una empresa biotecnológica centrada en terapias CAR T-cell, ha anunciado un acuerdo definitivo de fusión con Concentra Biosciences. Según el acuerdo, Concentra adquirirá CARGO por 4.379 dólares en efectivo por acción más un derecho de valor contingente (CVR).

El CVR incluye el 100% del efectivo neto de cierre de CARGO que exceda los 217,5 millones de dólares y el 80% de los ingresos netos derivados de la disposición de ciertos candidatos a producto dentro de los dos años posteriores al cierre. La oferta pública de adquisición comenzará antes del 21 de julio de 2025, requiriendo al menos la mayoría de las acciones y un mínimo de efectivo de 217,5 millones de dólares al cierre. Aproximadamente el 17,4% de los accionistas ya ha acordado entregar sus acciones, y se espera que la transacción se cierre en agosto de 2025.

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CARGO Therapeutics (NASDAQ : CRGX), une société de biotechnologie spécialisée dans les thérapies CAR T-cell, a annoncé un accord définitif de fusion avec Concentra Biosciences. Selon cet accord, Concentra acquerra CARGO pour 4,379 $ en espèces par action plus un droit à une valeur conditionnelle (CVR).

Le CVR comprend 100 % de la trésorerie nette de clôture de CARGO dépassant 217,5 millions de dollars et 80 % des produits nets issus de la cession de certains candidats médicaments dans les deux ans suivant la clôture. L’offre publique d’achat débutera au plus tard le 21 juillet 2025, nécessitant au moins la majorité des actions et un minimum de trésorerie de 217,5 millions de dollars à la clôture. Environ 17,4 % des actionnaires ont déjà accepté de céder leurs actions, la transaction devant être finalisée en août 2025.

CARGO Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRGX), ein Biotechnologieunternehmen mit Fokus auf CAR-T-Zelltherapien, hat eine endgültige Fusionsvereinbarung mit Concentra Biosciences bekannt gegeben. Gemäß der Vereinbarung wird Concentra CARGO für 4,379 USD in bar pro Aktie zuzüglich eines bedingten Wertrechts (CVR) übernehmen.

Das CVR umfasst 100 % des Netto-Cash-Bestands von CARGO über 217,5 Millionen USD sowie 80 % der Nettoerlöse aus der Veräußerung bestimmter Produktkandidaten innerhalb von zwei Jahren nach Abschluss. Das Übernahmeangebot beginnt bis spätestens 21. Juli 2025 und erfordert mindestens die Mehrheit der Aktien sowie mindestens 217,5 Millionen USD in bar zum Abschluss. Etwa 17,4 % der Aktionäre haben bereits ihre Aktien zum Verkauf angeboten, und der Abschluss der Transaktion wird für August 2025 erwartet.

Positive
  • All-cash transaction providing immediate liquidity to shareholders
  • Additional value potential through CVR agreement
  • Unanimous board approval following strategic review
  • 17.4% of stockholders already committed to the deal
Negative
  • CVR value is contingent and not guaranteed
  • Tender offer requires minimum cash threshold of $217.5M
  • Non-transferable nature of the CVR limits shareholder flexibility

Insights

CARGO Therapeutics' acquisition by Concentra at $4.379/share plus CVR offers shareholders fixed value with potential upside through excess cash and asset sales.

CARGO Therapeutics has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Concentra Biosciences, which will acquire CARGO for $4.379 in cash per share plus a non-transferable contingent value right (CVR). This acquisition structure provides shareholders with immediate guaranteed value while preserving upside potential through two CVR components: 100% of CARGO's closing net cash exceeding $217.5 million and 80% of proceeds from selling certain CARGO product candidates within two years post-closing.

The transaction structure indicates CARGO was likely unable to independently realize the full value of its CAR T-cell therapy pipeline, making this deal a strategic exit for shareholders. The relatively modest cash payment suggests Concentra is primarily acquiring CARGO's cash reserves and pipeline assets rather than an established commercial business with predictable revenue streams.

The deal includes a minimum cash threshold of $217.5 million, highlighting Concentra's focus on securing CARGO's cash position. Concentra has structured the transaction to give CARGO shareholders participation in any cash above this threshold, effectively pricing the biotech assets separately through the CVR mechanism.

Notably, 17.4% of CARGO's shareholders have already committed to tendering their shares, providing strong initial support for the transaction. The board's unanimous approval after a strategic review process suggests this outcome represents the best available option for CARGO shareholders after exploring alternatives. The expected August 2025 closing indicates limited regulatory hurdles are anticipated.

The CVR structure is particularly relevant for biotechnology acquisitions where pipeline assets have uncertain future value—providing a mechanism for shareholders to participate in potential upside while giving the acquirer protection against overpaying for unproven assets. However, shareholders should note that CVRs depend entirely on Concentra's execution post-acquisition, with no guarantees of additional payments beyond the base cash consideration.

SAN CARLOS, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. (“CARGO� or the “Company�) (NASDAQ: CRGX), a biotechnology company that has focused on developing CAR T-cell therapies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement�) with Concentra Biosciences, LLC (“Concentra�), whereby Concentra will acquire CARGO for $4.379 in cash per share of CARGO common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“CARGO Common Stock�), plus one non-transferable contingent value right (“CVR�), which represents the right to receive: (i) 100% of the closing net cash of CARGO in excess of $217.5 million; and (ii) 80% of any net proceeds received within two years following closing from any disposition of certain of CARGO’s product candidates that occurs within two years following closing, each pursuant to a contingent value rights agreement (the “CVR Agreement�).

Following a strategic review process conducted with the assistance of CARGO’s management and legal and financial advisors and other factors considered, the CARGO board of directors has unanimously determined that the acquisition by Concentra is in the best interests of all CARGO stockholders and has approved the Merger Agreement and related transactions (collectively, the “Transactions�).

Pursuant and subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Concentra will commence a tender offer (the “Offer�) by July 21, 2025, to acquire all outstanding shares of CARGO Common Stock. The closing of the Offer is subject to certain conditions, including the tender of CARGO Common Stock representing at least a majority of the total number of outstanding shares, the availability of at least $217.5 million of cash (net of transaction costs and other liabilities) at closing, and other customary closing conditions. Immediately following the closing of the Offer, CARGO will be acquired by Concentra, and all remaining shares not tendered in the Offer, other than shares owned directly or indirectly by Concentra or the Company or a subsidiary thereof or validly subject to appraisal, will be converted into the right to receive the same cash and CVR consideration per share as is provided in the Offer. CARGO officers, directors and certain Company stockholders holding approximately 17.4% of CARGO Common Stock in the aggregate have signed tender and support agreements under which such parties have agreed to tender their shares in the Offer and support the merger transaction. The merger transaction is expected to close in August 2025.

Advisors

TD Cowen is acting as exclusive financial advisor to CARGO and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to CARGO. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is acting as legal counsel to Concentra.

About CARGO Therapeutics

CARGO is a biotechnology company that has focused on the development of CAR T-cell therapies for cancer patients. For more information, please visit the CARGO Therapeutics website at .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements� within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “aim,� “anticipate,� “assume,� “believe,� “contemplate,� “continue,� “could,� “design,� “due,� “estimate,� “expect,� “goal,� “intend,� “may,� “objective,� “plan,� “positioned,� “potential,� “predict,� “seek,� “should,� “target,� “will,� “would� and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the possibility that various closing conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement may not be satisfied or waived, including uncertainties as to the percentage of the Company’s stockholders tendering their shares in the Offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the risk that the Transactions may not be completed in a timely manner, or at all, which may adversely affect the Company’s business and the price of its common stock; significant costs associated with the Transactions; the risk that any stockholder litigation in connection with the Transactions may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; the risk that activities related to the CVR Agreement may not result in any value to the Company’s stockholders; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC�), including but not limited to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on March 12, 2025. Any forward-looking statements that the Company makes in this press release are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and speak only as of the date hereof. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that the proposed Transactions will in fact be consummated. The Company cautions investors not to unduly rely on any forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. All forward-looking statements in this document are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

The Offer described above has not yet commenced and this press release is neither a recommendation, nor an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of CARGO Common Stock or any other securities. On the commencement date of the Offer, a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and related documents, will be filed with the SEC by Concentra and its acquisition subsidiary, and a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 will be filed with the SEC by the Company. The Offer to purchase the outstanding shares of CARGO Common Stock will only be made pursuant to the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and related documents filed as a part of the Schedule TO. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, A LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 REGARDING THE OFFER, AS THEY MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT INVESTORS AND SECURITYHOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SHARES, INCLUDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of these statements (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the website maintained by the SEC at or by directing such requests to the information agent for the Offer, which will be named in the tender offer statement. Investors and security holders may also obtain, at no charge, the documents filed or furnished to the SEC by the Company under the “SEC Filings� subsection of the “Financial Information� section of the Company’s website at .

Cargo Investor Contact:
Laurence Watts

Source: CARGO Therapeutics, Inc.


FAQ

What is the acquisition price for CARGO Therapeutics (CRGX)?

Concentra Biosciences will acquire CARGO for $4.379 in cash per share plus a contingent value right (CVR) that includes additional potential value based on excess cash and product candidate dispositions.

When will the CRGX acquisition by Concentra close?

The merger transaction is expected to close in August 2025, following a tender offer that will commence by July 21, 2025.

What are the conditions for CARGO's acquisition to be completed?

Key conditions include tender of at least majority of shares, availability of minimum $217.5 million in net cash at closing, and other customary closing conditions.

What does the CVR in the CARGO acquisition include?

The CVR includes 100% of closing net cash exceeding $217.5 million and 80% of net proceeds from any product candidate dispositions within two years after closing.

How many CARGO shareholders have agreed to the Concentra acquisition?

Approximately 17.4% of CARGO stockholders, including officers and directors, have agreed to tender their shares and support the merger transaction.
Cargo Therapeutics

NASDAQ:CRGX

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189.99M
44.69M
0.24%
122.58%
7.37%
Biotechnology
Biological Products, (no Disgnostic Substances)
United States
SAN CARLOS