Metsera Receives Amended Proposal from Novo Nordisk; Metsera Declares Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal "Superior"

Rhea-AI Summary

Metsera (NASDAQ: B) announced its board has declared an amended acquisition proposal from Novo Nordisk a Superior Company Proposal under Metsera's merger agreement with Pfizer. Novo Nordisk's two-step proposal values Metsera at up to $86.20 per share (~$10.0B), including an immediate cash payment/dividend of $62.20 per share and a second-step contingent value right (CVR) of up to $24.00 per share. Metsera notified Pfizer, triggering a two-business-day negotiation period under the Pfizer Merger Agreement.

Positive

• Total valuation up to $86.20 per share (~$10.0B)
• Immediate cash component/dividend of $62.20 per share
• CVR of up to $24.00 per share for milestone payments
• Proposal represents ~159% premium to Sept 19, 2025 close

Negative

• Issuance of non-voting preferred stock representing 50% of share capital
• Two-business-day Pfizer negotiation period creates transaction uncertainty
• Tax treatment uncertain pending 2025 earnings and profits determination
• Withholding agents expected to withhold 30% on Dividend for non-U.S. holders

Insights

M&A Strategist

Two competing acquisition proposals create a clear takeover contest; Novo Nordisk's amended offer is declared superior but Pfizer has a two-business‑day match window.

Metsera received an amended proposal from Novo Nordisk that values the company at up to $86.20 per share (≈$10.0 billion) via a two‑step structure: an immediate cash payment and dividend of $62.20 per share plus a later CVR worth up to $24.00 per share contingent on development and regulatory milestones.

Under the existing Pfizer Merger Agreement, Metsera's board has declared the Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal a "Superior Company Proposal," which formally opens a two business day period for Pfizer to propose adjustments. Pfizer previously revised its proposal to $60.00 upfront and up to $10.00 under the CVR; Metsera's board continues to recommend approval of the Pfizer Merger Agreement while preserving the right to terminate if the Novo Nordisk offer remains superior after Pfizer's response.

The deal mechanics matter: the Novo Nordisk structure separates immediate cash value ($62.20) from contingent milestone value ($24.00), and includes issuance of non‑voting preferred stock representing 50% of Metsera's share capital in step one. Key immediate items to watch are whether Pfizer submits an adjusted proposal within the two business day window and any concrete changes to Pfizer's CVR terms; these actions will determine near‑term deal certainty.

Corporate Tax & Governance Analyst

The proposed immediate dividend and tax disclosures create short‑term tax and governance implications for shareholders.

The Novo Nordisk plan triggers a declared Dividend of $62.20 per share with a record date ten days after signing; Metsera notes it expects limited "earnings and profits" so the Dividend likely will be treated first as a return of capital and then as capital gain for U.S. holders, subject to final 2025 earnings and profits determination.

Shareholders face withholding risks for non‑U.S. holders (expected withholding at 30% until tax treatment finalizes) and potential refunds thereafter; Metsera will update a Form 8937 after year‑end. Monitor the declared record date (ten days post‑signing), the final earnings and profits determination for 2025, and any changes in the Dividend mechanics if Pfizer proposes adjustments during its two business day negotiation period.

Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal Values Metsera at up to $ 86.20 per Share, a Total of Approximately $ 10.0 Billion

Superior to Revised Pfizer Proposal that Valued Metsera at up to $ 70.00 per Share, a Total of Approximately $ 8.1 Billion

Pursuant to Pfizer Merger Agreement, Metsera and Pfizer May Negotiate Potential Adjustments for Two Business Days

Pfizer Merger Agreement Remains in Effect; No Action Required by Metsera Shareholders

NEW YORK, Nov. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metsera, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTSR) ("Metsera") today announced that its Board of Directors had determined, after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisors, that a revised proposal that Metsera received from Novo Nordisk A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: NOVO B) ("Novo Nordisk") to acquire Metsera (the "Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal") constitutes a "Superior Company Proposal" as defined in Metsera's existing Merger Agreement with Pfizer (the "Pfizer Merger Agreement").

Novo Nordisk's Proposal is structured in two steps. In the first step, immediately following the signing of a definitive agreement, Novo Nordisk would pay Metsera $62.20 per Metsera common share in cash (up from $56.50) as well as certain amounts in respect of Metsera employee equity and transaction expenses.  In exchange, Metsera would issue Novo Nordisk non-voting preferred stock representing 50% of Metsera's share capital.  On the same day, Metsera would declare a dividend (the "Dividend") of $62.20 per Metsera common share in cash (up from $56.50), with a record date ten days following the signing of the definitive agreements relating to the Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal, with payment to follow shortly thereafter.

In the second step, which would happen only after receiving approval from Metsera shareholders and relevant regulators, Metsera shareholders would receive a contingent value right ("CVR") representing up to $24.00 per share in cash (up from $22.50) based on development and regulatory approval milestones the same as those agreed in the proposed merger between Metsera and Pfizer, and Novo Nordisk would acquire the remainder of the outstanding shares of Metsera.

This proposal values Metsera at up to $86.20 per share, for a total of approximately $10.0 billion, representing an approximate 159% premium to Metsera's closing price as of September 19, 2025, the last trading day before the Pfizer transaction was announced.

Metsera today notified Pfizer of its declaration of the Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal as a "Superior Company Proposal". Under the terms of the Pfizer Merger Agreement, this notice (the "Notice") triggers a two business day period during which Pfizer has the right to negotiate with Metsera adjustments to the terms and conditions of the Pfizer Merger Agreement so that the Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal would cease to constitute a "Superior Company Proposal".

Following the conclusion of this period, if Metsera's Board of Directors concludes in good faith, after consultation with its outside counsel and financial advisors, that, after considering any adjustments to the terms of the Pfizer Merger Agreement proposed by Pfizer, the Novo Nordisk Amended Proposal continues to constitute a "Superior Company Proposal", Metsera would be entitled to terminate the Pfizer Merger Agreement.

Revised Pfizer Proposal

Metsera's determination takes into account a proposal made by Pfizer on November 3, 2025, that increased the upfront consideration to $60.00 per share in cash (up from $47.50) and decreased the amount payable under the CVR to up to $10.00 per share in cash (down from $22.50). 

In addition, the Revised Pfizer Proposal (i) adopted the same commercially reasonable efforts standard for the CVR as in the Novo Nordisk Proposal, (ii) required a shareholder of Metsera to sell Pfizer 14.9% of the common stock of Metsera upon signing of the transaction and (iii) required Metsera to issue a press release stating that the Novo Nordisk Proposal presented unacceptably high risks and was unviable.

Board Recommendation

At this time, the Pfizer Merger Agreement remains in full effect, and Metsera's Board of Directors reaffirm their recommendation that the holders of Metsera common stock approve the adoption of the Pfizer Merger Agreement and approve the Merger with Pfizer on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Pfizer Merger Agreement. However, no action by Metsera shareholders is required at this time.

U.S. Federal Tax Treatment of the Dividend

Metsera does not believe it has a meaningful amount of "earning and profits".  As such, Metsera currently expects that, for U.S. federal tax purposes, the Dividend will be treated first, as a return of capital to shareholders to the extent of their tax basis in their Metsera common stock, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of Metsera stock.

The ultimate tax treatment of the Dividend will be based on Metsera's current and accumulated earnings and profits for Metsera's year ending December 31, 2025. The process of determining current and accumulated earnings and profits requires a final determination of Metsera's financial results for the year and a review of certain other factors. Accordingly, the expected tax treatment of the Dividend is based upon currently available information and is subject to change. Metsera expects to update information on the taxation of the Dividend following the completion of 2025. To the extent Metsera has current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the Dividend will be treated as a dividend that is, for U.S. holders that are individuals, "qualified dividend income" subject to U.S. federal income tax at the lower applicable long-term capital gains rates, provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied.

Because Metsera's current and accumulated earnings and profits for Metsera's year ending December 31, 2025 cannot yet be finally determined, Metsera expects that withholding agents will withhold on the Dividend paid to non-U.S. holders at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty). Following the completion of the earnings and profits analysis, non-U.S. holders may seek refunds from the Internal Revenue Service of any amounts overwithheld.

The finally determined tax treatment of the Dividend as reported on Form 8937 will be available on Metsera's website. The Form 8937 will be updated following the determination of Metsera's financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 and a review of certain other factors.

The information set forth above is provided only for general use, and does not constitute a complete description of all of the U.S. federal tax consequences of the receipt of the Dividend or the ownership and disposition of Metsera's common stock. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning such consequences.

Disclosure Notice

This release contains forward-looking information about, among other topics, Pfizer's proposed acquisition of Metsera, Pfizer's and Metsera's pipeline products, including their potential benefits, potential best-in-class status, differentiation, profile and dosing, potential clinical trials, and the anticipated timing of completion of the proposed acquisition, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties relating to Pfizer's proposed acquisition of Metsera include, among other things, risks related to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing the proposed acquisition (including the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and failure to obtain the requisite vote by Metsera stockholders) in the anticipated timeframe or at all, including the possibility that the proposed acquisition does not close; the possibility that more competing offers may be made; risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the transaction making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships, including Metsera's ability to attract and retain highly qualified management and other clinical and scientific personals; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Pfizer's or Metsera's common stock and/or operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition or Metsera's business; other business effects and uncertainties, including the effects of industry, market, business, economic, political or regulatory conditions; future exchange and interest rates; risks and uncertainties related to issued or future executive orders or other new, or changes in, laws, regulations or policy; changes in tax and other laws, regulations, rates and policies; the uncertainties inherent in business and financial planning, including, without limitation, risks related to Pfizer's business and prospects, adverse developments in Pfizer's markets, or adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets, regulatory environment, tariffs and other trade policies or economies generally; future business combinations or disposals; uncertainties regarding the commercial success of Metsera's pipeline products or Pfizer's commercialized and/or pipeline products; risks associated with Metsera conducting clinical trials and preclinical studies outside of the United States; Metsera's reliance on third parties to conduct clinical trials and preclinical studies and for the manufacture and shipping of its product candidates; the risk that Metsera's product candidates are associated with side effects, adverse events or other properties or safety risks; risks associated with Metsera's license and collaboration agreements and future strategic alliances; Metsera's ability to obtain, maintain, defend and enforce patent or other intellectual property protection for current or future product candidates or technology; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; risks associated with initial, preliminary or interim data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when drug applications may be filed in any jurisdictions for Pfizer's or Metsera's pipeline products for any potential indications; whether and when any such applications may be approved by regulatory authorities, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the product's benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the product's efficacy and, if approved, whether any such products will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of such products; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19; and competitive developments.

You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that affect the businesses of Pfizer and Metsera described in the "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results" (in the case of Pfizer) and "Special Note regarding Forward Looking Statements" (in the case of Metsera) sections of their respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed by either of them from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), all of which are available at www.sec.gov. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Pfizer and Metsera assume no obligation to, and do not intend to, update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by law. Neither Pfizer nor Metsera gives any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with Pfizer's proposed acquisition of Metsera, Metsera has filed documents with the SEC, including preliminary and definitive proxy statements relating to the proposed transaction. The definitive proxy statement has been mailed to Metsera's stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the proxy statement or any other document that may be filed by Metsera with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENTS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Any vote in respect of resolutions to be proposed at Metsera's stockholder meeting to approve the proposed transaction or other responses in relation to the proposed transaction should be made only on the basis of the information contained in Metsera's proxy statement. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of these documents and other related documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov, or at www.metsera.com.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law.

Participants in the Solicitation

Metsera and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be "participants" in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of Metsera in favor of the proposed transaction. Information about Metsera's directors and executive officers is set forth in Part III of Metsera's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025. Additional information concerning the interests of Metsera's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of Metsera's stockholders generally, is set forth in Metsera's proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction. These documents are available free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov and at www.metsera.com.

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SOURCE Metsera, Inc.

FAQ

What did Novo Nordisk offer per share to acquire Metsera (NASDAQ: B) on Nov 4, 2025?

Novo Nordisk offered up to $86.20 per share, comprising a $62.20 immediate cash step and a CVR up to $24.00.

How much immediate cash will Metsera shareholders receive under the Novo Nordisk amended proposal?

Metsera shareholders would receive an immediate cash payment/dividend of $62.20 per share upon signing.

What is the value and structure of the CVR in Novo Nordisk's proposal for Metsera (B)?

The CVR is valued up to $24.00 per share, payable on achievement of defined development and regulatory milestones.

How does Novo Nordisk's offer compare to Pfizer's revised proposal for Metsera (B)?

Novo Nordisk's offer values Metsera at ~$10.0B (~$86.20/share) versus Pfizer's revised value of up to $70.00 per share (~$8.1B).

What immediate corporate actions does the Novo Nordisk proposal require from Metsera?

On signing Metsera would issue Novo Nordisk non-voting preferred stock representing 50% of share capital and declare the $62.20 dividend.

Will Metsera shareholders need to take action now regarding the Novo Nordisk proposal?

No action is required by Metsera shareholders at this time while the Pfizer Merger Agreement remains in effect.

How will U.S. federal taxes likely apply to the $62.20 dividend for Metsera (B) shareholders?

Metsera expects the dividend will first be a return of capital to the extent of basis, then capital gain; final tax treatment depends on 2025 earnings and profits.