PARSIPPANY, N.J.—The Medicines Company announced May 9 that it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell Cleviprex (clevidipine), Kengreal (cangrelor) and the company’s rights to Argatroban for injection to Chiesi USA Inc. and its parent company, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., for up to $792 million, consisting of $260 million in cash payable at closing, up to $480 million in sales-based milestone payments, the assumption by Chiesi of up to $50 million in milestone payment obligations and approximately $2 million for product inventory.
“The divestiture of these non-core cardiovascular assets is a transformative step in the execution of our strategy and will help propel The Medicines Company into the next stage of growth,” said Dr. Clive Meanwell, CEO of The Medicines Company. “The transaction will enable us to deploy significant additional capital to drive further development of our pipeline of potential blockbuster products, which we believe will significantly enhance the value proposition of those products and our ability to deliver the greatest long-term value for our patients, customers and shareholders. In addition to generating substantial non-dilutive cash, we expect the transaction and related restructuring to reduce the Company’s annual SG&A and related R&D expenses by between $65 million and $80 million. Today’s announcement is strong evidence of our overwhelming commitment to delivering on our strategic objectives.”
The transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction, which does not require the approval of the Company’s shareholders, is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2016.
