Singular Genomics finalizes acquisition by Deerfield Management, goes private

Singular Genomics Systems, Inc. has officially completed its acquisition by Deerfield Management Company, transitioning from a publicly traded company to a private entity. The deal, originally announced in December 2024, involved Deerfield acquiring all outstanding shares of Singular Genomics common stock for $20.00 per share in cash. The transaction, which received shareholder approval on February 19, 2025, closed successfully, leading to the delisting of Singular Genomics from Nasdaq.

This acquisition represents a strategic move by Deerfield Management, a firm known for its investments in healthcare and life sciences. Singular Genomics, a company specializing in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multiomics technologies, is now positioned to advance its platform without the constraints of public market volatility. The decision to go private aligns with the company’s long-term vision of expanding its genomic sequencing and spatial multiomics capabilities, crucial for scientific research and clinical applications.

How Does the Acquisition Impact Singular Genomics?

Following the acquisition, Singular Genomics will operate as a privately held company, which the board believes will provide greater financial and operational flexibility. The $20-per-share purchase price marked a 254% premium over the company’s last closing stock price before Deerfield’s initial offer was publicly disclosed in September 2024.

The transaction includes leadership changes, with Josh Stahl stepping in as Chief Executive Officer and joining the company’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Jason Myers has been appointed to the board, while co-founder Drew Spaventa will continue serving as a board member in an advisory role. These leadership shifts signal a new direction for Singular Genomics, aimed at accelerating the development of its next-generation sequencing and spatial multiomics technologies.

What Technologies Will Singular Genomics Focus on Next?

Singular Genomics is known for its innovations in genomic sequencing and multiomics technologies, both of which are key areas of precision medicine and advanced research. The company’s flagship product, the G4 Sequencing Platform, is a compact, high-speed genomic sequencer designed to provide fast and accurate sequencing results for research institutions and clinical applications.

In addition to its existing platform, Singular Genomics is developing the G4X Spatial Sequencer, a system designed to integrate spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and fluorescent imaging into a single platform. This technology aims to enhance tissue-based analysis by providing spatial context for genomic and proteomic data, making it a valuable tool for researchers working on cancer biology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine.

By moving forward as a private company under Deerfield Management, Singular Genomics will have the opportunity to refine its technology and expand its market presence without the immediate pressures of quarterly earnings and stockholder expectations.

Why Did Singular Genomics Choose to Go Private?

The decision to transition from a publicly traded company to a private entity comes at a time when genomic sequencing and multiomics research are evolving rapidly. While Singular Genomics had established itself as a competitor in the next-generation sequencing market, going private allows the company to focus on long-term technological advancements and product development without the constraints of public market expectations.

Experts in the industry suggest that privatization offers strategic advantages, particularly for companies operating in capital-intensive fields like biotechnology and life sciences. With Deerfield Management’s financial backing, Singular Genomics is expected to enhance its research capabilities, strengthen its product portfolio, and expand its customer base in genomic research and precision medicine.

What Are the Implications for the Genomic Sequencing Industry?

The acquisition of Singular Genomics by Deerfield Management reflects a broader trend in the biotechnology and life sciences sector, where private equity firms are investing heavily in next-generation sequencing technologies. The growing demand for multiomics analysis and spatial sequencing is reshaping the industry, with companies racing to develop faster, more efficient, and cost-effective sequencing solutions.

Singular Genomics competes with major players like Illumina and Pacific Biosciences, both of which have established their presence in the genomic sequencing space. However, Singular’s focus on a high-speed, benchtop sequencing platform with multiomics capabilities gives it a unique position in the market. By leveraging Deerfield’s investment and strategic guidance, the company is expected to accelerate innovation and commercialization of its sequencing technologies.

What’s Next for Singular Genomics?

With its publicly traded status now concluded, Singular Genomics will focus on advancing its genomic and multiomics technologies while strengthening its relationships with research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and clinical laboratories. The delisting from Nasdaq marks a significant shift, allowing the company to operate with greater independence and prioritize long-term innovation over short-term financial performance.

Deerfield’s Andrew ElBardissi, a partner at the firm, has emphasized the importance of Singular Genomics’ role in advancing scientific research and medicine. He stated that Deerfield is committed to supporting the company’s growth as it continues to provide cutting-edge sequencing and multiomics solutions to physicians, researchers, and scientists worldwide.

While the transaction has now closed, industry experts will be watching how Singular Genomics positions itself in the competitive genomic sequencing landscape. With its G4 Sequencing Platform already in commercial use and the G4X Spatial Sequencer in development, the company is expected to play a crucial role in the future of genomic and proteomic research.

The acquisition of Singular Genomics by Deerfield Management marks a turning point for the company as it transitions into a privately held entity. This strategic move is expected to provide greater flexibility and financial stability, allowing Singular Genomics to continue its work in next-generation sequencing and multiomics technologies.

With leadership changes, new technological advancements, and the support of Deerfield Management, Singular Genomics is poised to expand its footprint in genomic research and precision medicine. As the company embarks on this new phase, the industry will be closely monitoring how it leverages its sequencing capabilities to drive scientific and medical breakthroughs.