The advisors on Araris Biotech’s sale to Taiho

Swiss biotechnology company Araris Biotech completed its sale to Taiho Pharmaceutical.

In connection with the deal BGPartner advised Araris on all Swiss legal matters, while Baker McKenzie represented the company with regard to all Swiss tax aspects.

The context

A spin-off company from the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and ETH Zurich, Araris Biotech developes next-generation antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). In connection with the transaction, Araris entered a share purchase agreement with Japanese company Tahio Pharmaceutical, with the latter completing the acquisition of the Swiss biotech specialist.

The research collaboration between the parties goes back to November 2023. Under the terms of the share purchase agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical will pay USD 400 million at closing – expected in the first half of 2025 – with the potential for additional milestone payments of up to USD 740 million, as the company reaches unicorn status.

The BGPartner team

BGPartner, which has been advising Araris Biotech as Swiss legal counsel since its incorporation in 2019, represented Araris Biotech on all Swiss legal matters of this transaction as well. The team included partner Oliver Gnehm (pictured above), managing associate Thomas Gysin, as well as associate Tessa Douma.

The Baker McKenzie team

Tax partner Susanne Liebel-Kotz (pictured) led the Baker McKenzie team on the matter, working alongside associate Pascale Daniela Schwizer and trainee lawyer Joane Gautschi.