Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical group, is acquiring Day One Biopharmaceuticals for $21.50 per share in cash. That amounts to a total equity value of approximately $2.5 billion.

According to Servier, the offer price represents an approximate 68% premium over Day One’s closing price on March 5, 2026. Moreover, it is a premium of approximately 86% over the one-month volume weighted average of Day One on that date.

Servier and Day One Backgrounds

Based in France, Servier employs more than 20,000 people, with medicines distributed in 130-plus countries. In the 2024-25 financial year, the group reported revenues of €6.9 billion (approximately US$8 billion).

Meanwhile, Day One is a commercial-stage company named for the “day one talk” physicians have about an initial cancer diagnosis. Up to now, the company, of Brisbane, Calif., focuses on the critical unmet need for therapeutic development in pediatric cancer.

Accordingly, the acquisition aligns with Servier’s desire to offer targeted therapeutic solutions in rare cancers and neurological diseases. The company has set a timeline for the year 2030, to develop innovative treatments for patients with high unmet needs.

With the impending purchase of Day One, Servier’s oncology pipeline will expand with programs from early-stage to Phase III.

Company Executives Respond

“This acquisition of Day One Biopharmaceuticals marks another decisive step in strengthening Servier’s position,” said Servier President Olivier Laureau. “It reflects our long-term commitment to investing in science that can make a meaningful difference for patients. This announcement is fully aligned with our 2030 ambition, and we believe that combining our expertise will accelerate innovation.”

Day One CEO Jeremy Bender, PhD, said Servier’s rare cancer track record makes it “the ideal home for our portfolio.”

“[It’s an] opportunity to extend the reach of our science and our lead program in pediatric low‑grade glioma,” Bender said. “Servier’s dedication to the rare disease community preserves the patient‑first mindset that has defined our company since the beginning.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.

Other Pharma Industry Acquisitions

Check out Contract Pharma’s Pharmaceutical Industry Mergers & Acquisitions Roundup.