Nestlé to Acquire Aimmune Therapeutics for $2.6 Billion

Nestlé and Aimmune Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing treatments for potentially life-threatening food allergies, have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Nestlé Health Science (NHSc) would acquire Aimmune. 

Aimmune's Palforzia is the first and only FDA-approved treatment to help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reaction to peanuts, including anaphylaxis, in children aged 4-17. The acquisition is an extension of NHSc's food allergy portfolio, creating a broader spectrum of solutions for children living with food allergies.

"This transaction brings together Nestlé's nutritional science leadership with one of the most innovative companies in food allergy treatment," said Nestlé Health Science CEO Greg Behar. "Together we will be able to offer a wide range of solutions that can transform the lives of people suffering from food allergies around the world."

"The agreement with Nestlé Health Science recognizes the value created by years of commitment and dedication to our mission by the team at Aimmune. Delivering Palforzia, the world's first treatment for food allergy, has been a game-changing proposition in the bio-pharmaceutical industry and is transformative for the lives of millions of people living with potentially life-threatening peanut allergy," said Jayson Dallas, MD, president and chief executive officer of Aimmune. "This acquisition ensures a level of support for Palforzia and our pipeline that will further enhance their potential for patients around the world living with food allergies."

NHSc currently has a total investment in Aimmune of $473 million, an approximate 25.6% equity ownership stake. About 19.6% is voting common stock and the balance non-voting preferred stock. NHSc made its initial investment of $145 million in Aimmune in November 2016, followed by further investments of $30 million in February 2018, $98 million in November 2018, and $200 million in January 2020.

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Nestlé's organic growth in 2021 and accretive to cash earnings by 2022/23.