RTW Venture Fund Limited — Acquisition of largest holding at healthy premium
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RTW Biotech Opportunities (LSE: RTW)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

1.36

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Market capitalisation

286m

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Research: Investment Companies

RTW Venture Fund Limited — Acquisition of largest holding at healthy premium

On Sunday 16 April 2023, US major pharma company Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that, through a subsidiary, it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prometheus Biosciences (NASDAQ: RXDX) for $200 per share for a total cost of c $10.8bn. At 31 March 2023, Prometheus was RTW Venture Fund’s (RTWVF’s) largest holding at c 14.8% of NAV. The bid price represents a 75.4% premium to Prometheus’s closing price on Friday 14 April, therefore the deal, all else being equal, should represent a material uplift in RTWVF’s NAV. Subject to Prometheus’s shareholder approval, the deal should close in Q323. Prometheus is an example of RTW’s long-term, full life cycle investment approach, which supports companies ranging from newco formation to mid-stage venture to pre initial public offering (IPO) and public markets.

Melanie Jenner

Written by

Mel Jenner

Director, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

RTW Venture Fund

Acquisition of largest holding at healthy premium

Investment companies
Biotechnology and medtech

17 April 2023

Price

$1.06

Market cap

$226m

Total assets

$316m

NAV*

$1.49

Discount to NAV**

28.9%

*At 31 March 2023. **Based on current share price and last published NAV.

Yield

0.0%

Ordinary shares in issue

212.4m

Codes

RTW ($), RTWG (£)

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

Biotechnology & Healthcare

52-week high/low

$1.38

$0.97

NAV* high/low

$1.63

$1.22

*Including income

Fund objective

RTW Venture Fund (RTWVF) is managed by global healthcare specialist RTW Investments (RTW). RTWVF was launched on 30 October 2019 and is focused on identifying transformative assets with high growth potential across the biopharmaceutical and medical technology sectors. The portfolio contains private as well as publicly listed companies. RTWVF’s performance is measured against an index of small-cap biotech stocks and the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index.

Analyst

Mel Jenner

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

RTW Venture Fund is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

On Sunday 16 April 2023, US major pharma company Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that, through a subsidiary, it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Prometheus Biosciences (NASDAQ: RXDX) for $200 per share for a total cost of c $10.8bn. At 31 March 2023, Prometheus was RTW Venture Fund’s (RTWVF’s) largest holding at c 14.8% of NAV. The bid price represents a 75.4% premium to Prometheus’s closing price on Friday 14 April, therefore the deal, all else being equal, should represent a material uplift in RTWVF’s NAV. Subject to Prometheus’s shareholder approval, the deal should close in Q323. Prometheus is an example of RTW’s long-term, full life cycle investment approach, which supports companies ranging from newco formation to mid-stage venture to pre initial public offering (IPO) and public markets.

Prometheus is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a precision medicine approach for the discovery, development and commercialisation of novel therapeutic and companion diagnostic products for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. The company's lead candidate, PRA023, is a humanised monoclonal antibody directed to the tumour necrosis factor-like ligand 1A, which is a target associated with both intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. PRA023 is currently in Phase II clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease.

We wrote about two of Prometheus’s positive clinical developments in our 9 December 2022 flash note. RTWVF, along with other funds managed by RTW, co-led Prometheus’s $130m crossover financing round in November 2020 and then supported the company’s IPO in March 2021.

Prometheus is the second of RTWVF’s portfolio companies to be acquired by a major pharma company this year. The acquisition of CinCor Pharma by AstraZeneca was completed on 24 February; the deal was at a 121% premium to its pre-bid share price based on upfront cash and at a 206% premium based on upfront and maximum potential contingent value payments. Roderick Wong, RTW’s managing partner and chief investment officer, expects sector merger and acquisition activity to accelerate given the inexpensive valuations of biotech companies and pharma companies’ significant cash positions and looming patent cliffs.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by RTW Venture Fund and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by RTW Venture Fund. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

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Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by RTW Venture Fund and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by RTW Venture Fund. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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