Response to Rule 2.8 Announcement
EQT confirms it will not proceed with possible offer for OXB; all four proposals were rejected by the Board.
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The Board of Oxford Biomedica plc ("OXB" or the "Company") (LSE: OXB) notes the announcement made earlier today by EQT X EUR SCSp and EQT X USD SCSp each represented by its manager (gérant), EQT Fund Management S.à r.l. (collectively referred to as "EQT") confirming that, following the announcement by the Company of a possible cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of OXB by EQT on 14 January 2026 (the "Possible Offer Announcement"), and the subsequent announcement by the Company on 11 February 2026 that the PUSU deadline was being extended, EQT does not intend to make an offer for OXB. As a result, EQT is bound by the restrictions set out in Rule 2.8 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the "Code").
In total, EQT submitted four proposals to the OXB Board, including two after the Possible Offer Announcement which comprised possible cash offers, and the possibility of an unlisted share alternative. The Board and its advisers carefully considered each proposal and, having consulted with certain key shareholders of OXB following the Possible Offer Announcement, unanimously concluded that the proposals undervalued the Company and its prospects and fell short of a recommendable level. The proposals were therefore rejected by the Board.
OXB is a leading global CDMO and viral vector specialist across lentivirus, adeno-associated virus, adenovirus and other viral vector types. The Board has great confidence in the capabilities of its leadership team, evidenced by the continued momentum in the Company and its attractive future prospects. OXB continues to make significant progress towards its financial objectives underpinned by its scalable end to end capabilities, sustained high demand and robust pipeline. These foundations reinforce the Board's commitment to deliver on its strategy to lead the cell and gene therapy CDMO field as a trusted partner with unmatched quality and innovation and create significant value for shareholders.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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