BioNTech acquires UK AI business InstaDeep

Here is a fascinating example of external growth – what type of integration is occurring?

BioNTech is a biotech company founded in Germany in 2008. The company develops personalized cancer immunotherapies using messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. InstaDeep is a deep learning company that was founded in London, UK in 2015.

Backward vertical integration at work - but can students identify some of the potential benefits from this acquisition.

The FT says here that pharmaceutical companies are increasingly interested in how artificial intelligence can accelerate the laborious and costly process of discovering new drugs - joint ventures are the norm rather than a formal acquisition. So this deal is an exception and one worth adding to your Year 13 microeconomics notes on business growth!

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