BOSTON: Virtual Therapeutics, a company focused on improving mental health at scale using engaging, immersive games, and Akili Inc. (Nasdaq: AKLI) announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement to form a diversified, leading digital health company.
Under the terms of the agreement, Akili shareholders will receive $0.4340 per share of common stock in cash. The per share purchase price represents an approximately 4% premium to Akili’s closing stock price on May 28, 2024 and an approximately 85% premium to Akili’s closing price on April 29, 2024, the last trading day prior to Akili’s public announcement that it was evaluating potential strategic alternatives.
Following completion of the transaction, the combined organization will operate as Virtual Therapeutics, a privately held company, with Akili operating as a wholly owned subsidiary.
“In today’s global mental health crisis, patients deserve access to clinically validated solutions that address their specific needs. We have been able to advance multiple solutions on our platform since founding Virtual Therapeutics, and we look forward to taking a significant step forward through this merger,” said Dan Elenbaas, co-founder and CEO of Virtual Therapeutics.
“The team at Akili has been successful in applying clinical and scientific rigor to bring new products forward, and we believe their expertise will complement our efforts. Together, we can build a company that brings these behavioral services to as many patients as possible – regardless of where they are or barriers that exist for them today.”
“Akili ran a thorough strategic process and we believe that this transaction represents Akili’s commitment to delivering value to the Akili stockholder,” added Matt Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of Akili.
“Virtual Therapeutics has been built by a team with decades of success in the gaming industry and elected to focus their expertise to help solve the growing mental health crisis. Combining our proven track record developing and deploying rigorously validated mobile digital therapeutics with Virtual Therapeutics’ robust portfolio of VR-based mental health solutions and gaming expertise, we aim to create a compelling platform to address mental health needs across several high-impact indications.”
The transaction, approved by both of Virtual Therapeutics’ and Akili’s board of directors, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to certain closing conditions, including the tender of a majority of Akili shares into a tender offer to be launched by Virtual Therapeutics and Akili having not less than a specified amount of cash-on-hand, depending on the closing time. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition.
Upon completion of the transaction, Akili’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public stock exchange.
TD Cowen is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as legal counsel to Akili. Baker & McKenzie LLP is acting as legal counsel to Virtual Therapeutics.
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