BASF to Acquire Verenium for $4.00/Share in Cash

Verenium Corporation VRNM, a leading industrial biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of high-performance enzymes, today announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with BASF Corporation BASFY, a leading chemicals company, under which BASF will commence a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Verenium's common stock.  This agreement has been unanimously approved by both Verenium's and BASF's Boards of Directors. Under the terms of the merger agreement, holders of outstanding shares of Verenium's common stock will receive $4.00 per share, representing a 56% premium to the volume weighted average closing price of Verenium's common stock in the six months prior to announcement of the transaction.  Each of the directors and officers of Verenium has entered into tender and support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to tender all of their shares. The acquisition is an all-cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Verenium common stock to be followed by a back-end merger.  The tender offer is subject to standard closing conditions, including the acquisition of a majority of the shares outstanding including shares underlying options See full press release