Servier to Acquire Day One Biopharmaceuticals in $2.5 Billion Deal

French pharmaceutical giant Servier has agreed to acquire Day One Biopharmaceuticals in a multibillion‑dollar transaction that will significantly expand its cancer treatment portfolio. The deal, announced Friday, values Day One at approximately $2.5 billion and underscores Servier’s ambition to strengthen its oncology division.

Deal Details

Servier will pay $21.50 in cash per share, representing a 68% premium over Day One’s prior closing price. The acquisition is expected to close between April and June, pending regulatory approvals.

Day One’s Journey

Founded in 2018 by physician‑scientist Samuel Blackman and venture capitalist Julie Grant, Day One takes its name from the “day one talk” doctors have with patients at the time of diagnosis. While committed to serving patients of all ages, the company has focused primarily on developing treatments for pediatric cancers.

Day One raised $192 million in equity before going public in 2021, adding another $160 million. However, the biotech sector’s downturn left its shares trading 20% below their IPO price until Friday’s announcement.

Strategic Fit

Day One CEO Jeremy Bender described the sale as “a unique opportunity to extend the reach” of the company’s science, calling Servier “the ideal home for our portfolio.” Servier’s expertise in rare diseases and targeted therapies complements Day One’s pipeline.

Servier already markets several oncology drugs, including Tibsovo, Voranigo, and Onivyde. The acquisition will deepen its presence in pediatric and rare cancer treatments.

Servier’s Growth Ambitions

Servier reported €6.9 billion ($7.9 billion) in sales for its 2024–2025 fiscal year, with oncology accounting for more than one‑third of revenue — a 55% increase year‑on‑year. The company aims to grow its cancer business to €4 billion by 2030, positioning oncology as a cornerstone of its global strategy.

The acquisition of Day One Biopharmaceuticals marks a pivotal step in Servier’s expansion into oncology. By combining Day One’s innovative pediatric cancer research with Servier’s established portfolio, the deal could reshape the landscape of targeted cancer therapies and accelerate progress for patients worldwide.