UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14D-9
(Rule 14d-101)
SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT
UNDER SECTION 14(d)(4) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Name of Subject Company)
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Name of Person(s) Filing Statement)
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $0.0001 PER SHARE
(Title of Class of Securities)
162818108
(CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
Katherine Eade
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
General Counsel
245 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 682-3625
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications
on Behalf of the Person(s) Filing Statement)
With copies to:
Stuart M. Cable, Esq.
Mitchell S. Bloom, Esq.
Robert Masella, Esq.
Andrew H. Goodman, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(617) 570-1000
☒ | Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a tender offer. |
This Schedule 14D-9 filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a planned cash tender offer (the Offer) by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a New York corporation (Parent) and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (Purchaser), to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), to be commenced pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 18, 2022, by and among Parent, Purchaser and the Company (the Merger Agreement). Upon the consummation of the Offer, Purchaser will merge with and into the Company (the Merger) pursuant to Section 251(h) of the Delaware General Corporation Law with the Company as the surviving corporation.
| Exhibit 99.1: Email from Alan Bash, Chief Executive Officer of the Company to employees on April 19, 2022 |
| Exhibit 99.2: Email from Alan Bash, Chief Executive Officer of the Company to commercial partners on April 19, 2022 |
| Exhibit 99.3: Announcements by the Company and the Companys management via LinkedIn on April 19, 2022 |
| Exhibit 99.4: Announcements by the Company and the Companys management via Twitter on April 19, 2022 |
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Checkmate), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, expect, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and merger; uncertainties as to how many of Checkmates stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay, or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; the possibility that the transaction does not close; risks related to Regenerons ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Regeneron and Checkmate will not be integrated successfully; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Regenerons or Checkmates common stock and/or Regenerons or Checkmates operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regenerons or Checkmates business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron and Checkmate rely; Regenerons, Checkmates, and their collaborators ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs; Regenerons and Checkmates ability to manage their supply chains; Regenerons ability to manage net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Products); the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regenerons Products, product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Product Candidates), and product candidates being developed by Checkmate, such as vidutolimod; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron,
Checkmate, and/or their collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; the potential of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist technology discussed in this communication; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate or others and whether mandated or voluntary) on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regenerons Product Candidates and vidutolimod and new indications for Regenerons Products; the ability of Regenerons and Checkmates collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the ability of Regeneron and/or its collaborators to manufacture and manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regenerons ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or Checkmates ability to continue to develop or commercialize vidutolimod; and competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or vidutolimod. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including their Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Regeneron and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., and the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by Checkmate, and, if applicable, the proxy statement referenced below. Any forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs and judgments of Regenerons and Checkmates management, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron or Checkmate. Regeneron and Checkmate do not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The tender offer referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Checkmate, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Checkmate, Regeneron or its acquisition subsidiary, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The solicitation and offer to buy Checkmate stock will only be made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials that Regeneron intends to file with the SEC. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Regeneron and its acquisition subsidiary will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and thereafter Checkmate will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. Under certain circumstances described in the definitive transaction documents, Regeneron may determine to instead to terminate or withdraw the offer and effect the transaction through a merger only, in which case the relevant documents to be filed with the SEC will include a proxy statement for the solicitation of votes of Checkmate stockholders to approve the merger. CHECKMATES STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY WILL EACH CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF CHECKMATE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, OR, IF APPLICABLE, VOTING ON THE TRANSACTION. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal, certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement will be made available to all stockholders of Checkmate at no expense to them and will also be made available for free at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting either Regeneron or Checkmate. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Checkmate will be available free of charge on Checkmates website at https://ir.checkmatepharma.com or by contacting Checkmates Investor Relations Department at (617) 682-3625. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Regeneron will be available free of charge on Regenerons website at https://investor.regeneron.com or by contacting Regenerons Investor Relations Department at invest@regeneron.com or (914) 847-7741.
In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement, Regeneron and Checkmate each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Regeneron or Checkmate at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the SEC are also available for free to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
If the tender offer is terminated and the transaction is to be effected by merger only, in which case, the approval of Checkmate stockholders must be obtained, Regeneron, Checkmate and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any such solicitation of proxies from Checkmates stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Regenerons directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC; information regarding Checkmates directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC. Other information regarding potential participants in any such proxy solicitation will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the transaction.
Exhibit 99.1
Email from Alan Bash, Chief Executive Officer of the Company to employees on April 19, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
This is an exciting day for Checkmate. A few moments ago, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals issued a joint press release announcing the companies entered into an agreement for Regeneron to acquire Checkmate.
The value placed in Checkmate by Regeneron is due to this incredible team, both past and present. This team successfully built our Company with a deep commitment to developing vidutolimod as a novel treatment for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. We are very excited about this potential transaction because we believe that this is the best option to potentially bring this innovative medicine forward to patients as quickly as possible.
I am sure this announcement for many of you comes as a surprise. I expect you will have questions. We will be hosting a Checkmate all-employee meeting via Teams this morning, Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 9 a.m. ET. At this meeting, Art and I will share our thoughts around this news. I encourage you to read the below press release and to attend the Teams meeting, which will appear shortly as an invite in your calendar.
We anticipate the transaction to close in mid-2022. Until the close, we remain an independent company and we will continue to advance vidutolimod in accordance with our ordinary course of business. All of us should remain focused on our day-to-day responsibilities.
You are an incredible team and I thank you for all you do. Your dedication is inspiring. I look forward to speaking with you at our all-employee meeting.
Best regards,
Alan
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Checkmate), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, expect, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and merger; uncertainties as to how many of Checkmates stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay, or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; the possibility that the transaction does not close; risks related to Regenerons ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Regeneron and Checkmate will not be integrated successfully; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Regenerons or Checkmates common stock and/or Regenerons or Checkmates operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown
liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regenerons or Checkmates business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron and Checkmate rely; Regenerons, Checkmates, and their collaborators ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs; Regenerons and Checkmates ability to manage their supply chains; Regenerons ability to manage net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Products); the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regenerons Products, product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Product Candidates), and product candidates being developed by Checkmate, such as vidutolimod; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate, and/or their collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; the potential of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist technology discussed in this communication; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate or others and whether mandated or voluntary) on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regenerons Product Candidates and vidutolimod and new indications for Regenerons Products; the ability of Regenerons and Checkmates collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the ability of Regeneron and/or its collaborators to manufacture and manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regenerons ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or Checkmates ability to continue to develop or commercialize vidutolimod; and competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or vidutolimod. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including their Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Regeneron and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., and the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by Checkmate, and, if applicable, the proxy statement referenced below. Any forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs and judgments of Regenerons and Checkmates management, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron or Checkmate. Regeneron and Checkmate do not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The tender offer referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Checkmate, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Checkmate, Regeneron or its acquisition subsidiary, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The solicitation and offer to buy Checkmate stock will only be made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials that Regeneron intends to file with the SEC. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Regeneron and its acquisition subsidiary will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and thereafter Checkmate will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. Under certain circumstances described in the definitive transaction documents, Regeneron may determine to instead to terminate or withdraw the offer and effect the transaction through a merger only, in which case the relevant documents to be filed with the SEC will include a proxy statement for the solicitation of votes of Checkmate stockholders to approve the merger. CHECKMATES STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AND, IF
APPLICABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY WILL EACH CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF CHECKMATE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, OR, IF APPLICABLE, VOTING ON THE TRANSACTION. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal, certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement will be made available to all stockholders of Checkmate at no expense to them and will also be made available for free at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting either Regeneron or Checkmate. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Checkmate will be available free of charge on Checkmates website at https://ir.checkmatepharma.com or by contacting Checkmates Investor Relations Department at (617) 682-3625. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Regeneron will be available free of charge on Regenerons website at https://investor.regeneron.com or by contacting Regenerons Investor Relations Department at invest@regeneron.com or (914) 847-7741.
In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement, Regeneron and Checkmate each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Regeneron or Checkmate at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the SEC are also available for free to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
If the tender offer is terminated and the transaction is to be effected by merger only, in which case, the approval of Checkmate stockholders must be obtained, Regeneron, Checkmate and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any such solicitation of proxies from Checkmates stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Regenerons directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC; information regarding Checkmates directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC. Other information regarding potential participants in any such proxy solicitation will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the transaction.
Exhibit 99.2
Email from Alan Bash, Chief Executive Officer of the Company to commercial partners on April 19, 2022
To our valued partners,
I am writing to update you on exciting and important news about Checkmate Pharmaceuticals. Today we announced that Checkmate has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The news release, which includes more information regarding todays announcement, can be found below.
We expect the transaction to close in mid-2022, subject to at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Checkmate common stock tendering in the tender offer, the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary closing conditions. Until that time, Checkmate will remain a separate company and your contacts at Checkmate will remain the same. We will communicate important updates as information becomes available.
Best regards,
Alan Bash
President and CEO
Checkmate Pharmaceuticals
abash@checkmatepharma.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Checkmate), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, expect, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and merger; uncertainties as to how many of Checkmates stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay, or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; the possibility that the transaction does not close; risks related to Regenerons ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Regeneron and Checkmate will not be integrated successfully; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Regenerons or Checkmates common stock and/or Regenerons or Checkmates operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regenerons or Checkmates business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron and Checkmate rely; Regenerons, Checkmates, and their collaborators ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs; Regenerons and Checkmates ability to manage their supply chains; Regenerons ability to manage net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Products); the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regenerons Products, product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees
(collectively, Regenerons Product Candidates), and product candidates being developed by Checkmate, such as vidutolimod; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate, and/or their collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; the potential of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist technology discussed in this communication; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate or others and whether mandated or voluntary) on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regenerons Product Candidates and vidutolimod and new indications for Regenerons Products; the ability of Regenerons and Checkmates collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the ability of Regeneron and/or its collaborators to manufacture and manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regenerons ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or Checkmates ability to continue to develop or commercialize vidutolimod; and competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or vidutolimod. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including their Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Regeneron and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., and the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by Checkmate, and, if applicable, the proxy statement referenced below. Any forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs and judgments of Regenerons and Checkmates management, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron or Checkmate. Regeneron and Checkmate do not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The tender offer referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Checkmate, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Checkmate, Regeneron or its acquisition subsidiary, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The solicitation and offer to buy Checkmate stock will only be made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials that Regeneron intends to file with the SEC. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Regeneron and its acquisition subsidiary will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and thereafter Checkmate will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. Under certain circumstances described in the definitive transaction documents, Regeneron may determine to instead to terminate or withdraw the offer and effect the transaction through a merger only, in which case the relevant documents to be filed with the SEC will include a proxy statement for the solicitation of votes of Checkmate stockholders to approve the merger. CHECKMATES STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY WILL EACH CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF CHECKMATE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, OR, IF APPLICABLE, VOTING ON THE TRANSACTION. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal, certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement will be made available to all stockholders of Checkmate at no expense to them and will also be made available for free at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting either Regeneron or Checkmate. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Checkmate will
be available free of charge on Checkmates website at https://ir.checkmatepharma.com or by contacting Checkmates Investor Relations Department at (617) 682-3625. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Regeneron will be available free of charge on Regenerons website at https://investor.regeneron.com or by contacting Regenerons Investor Relations Department at invest@regeneron.com or (914) 847-7741.
In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement, Regeneron and Checkmate each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Regeneron or Checkmate at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the SEC are also available for free to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
If the tender offer is terminated and the transaction is to be effected by merger only, in which case, the approval of Checkmate stockholders must be obtained, Regeneron, Checkmate and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any such solicitation of proxies from Checkmates stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Regenerons directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC; information regarding Checkmates directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC. Other information regarding potential participants in any such proxy solicitation will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the transaction.
Exhibit 99.3
Announcements by the Company and the Companys management via LinkedIn on April 19, 2022
On April 19, 2022, Checkmate Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company) made the following announcements via LinkedIn regarding the proposed acquisition of the Company by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a New York corporation (Parent), and proposed merger of the Company with Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (Purchaser), pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 18, 2022, by and among the Company, Parent and Purchaser.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Checkmate), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, expect, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and merger; uncertainties as to how many of Checkmates stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay, or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; the possibility that the transaction does not close; risks related to Regenerons ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Regeneron and Checkmate will not be integrated successfully; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Regenerons or Checkmates common stock and/or Regenerons or Checkmates operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regenerons or Checkmates business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron and Checkmate rely; Regenerons, Checkmates, and their collaborators ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs;
Regenerons and Checkmates ability to manage their supply chains; Regenerons ability to manage net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Products); the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regenerons Products, product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Product Candidates), and product candidates being developed by Checkmate, such as vidutolimod; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate, and/or their collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; the potential of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist technology discussed in this communication; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate or others and whether mandated or voluntary) on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regenerons Product Candidates and vidutolimod and new indications for Regenerons Products; the ability of Regenerons and Checkmates collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the ability of Regeneron and/or its collaborators to manufacture and manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regenerons ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or Checkmates ability to continue to develop or commercialize vidutolimod; and competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or vidutolimod. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including their Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Regeneron and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., and the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by Checkmate, and, if applicable, the proxy statement referenced below. Any forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs and judgments of Regenerons and Checkmates management, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron or Checkmate. Regeneron and Checkmate do not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The tender offer referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Checkmate, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Checkmate, Regeneron or its acquisition subsidiary, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The solicitation and offer to buy Checkmate stock will only be made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials that Regeneron intends to file with the SEC. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Regeneron and its acquisition subsidiary will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and thereafter Checkmate will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. Under certain circumstances described in the definitive transaction documents, Regeneron may determine to instead to terminate or withdraw the offer and effect the transaction through a merger only, in which case the relevant documents to be filed with the SEC will include a proxy statement for the solicitation of votes of Checkmate stockholders to approve the merger. CHECKMATES STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY WILL EACH CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF CHECKMATE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, OR, IF APPLICABLE, VOTING ON THE TRANSACTION. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of
Transmittal, certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement will be made available to all stockholders of Checkmate at no expense to them and will also be made available for free at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting either Regeneron or Checkmate. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Checkmate will be available free of charge on Checkmates website at https://ir.checkmatepharma.com or by contacting Checkmates Investor Relations Department at (617) 682-3625. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Regeneron will be available free of charge on Regenerons website at https://investor.regeneron.com or by contacting Regenerons Investor Relations Department at invest@regeneron.com or (914) 847-7741.
In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement, Regeneron and Checkmate each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Regeneron or Checkmate at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the SEC are also available for free to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
If the tender offer is terminated and the transaction is to be effected by merger only, in which case, the approval of Checkmate stockholders must be obtained, Regeneron, Checkmate and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any such solicitation of proxies from Checkmates stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Regenerons directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC; information regarding Checkmates directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC. Other information regarding potential participants in any such proxy solicitation will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the transaction.
Exhibit 99.4
Announcements by the Company and the Companys management via Twitter on April 19, 2022
On April 19, 2022, Checkmate Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company) made the following announcements via Twitter regarding the proposed acquisition of the Company by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a New York corporation (Parent), and proposed merger of the Company with Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (Purchaser), pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated April 18, 2022, by and among the Company, Parent and Purchaser.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) and Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Checkmate), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as anticipate, expect, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include, without limitation: uncertainties as to the timing of the tender offer and merger; uncertainties as to how many of Checkmates stockholders will tender their stock in the offer; the possibility that competing offers will be made; the possibility that various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay, or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the transaction (or only grant approval subject to adverse conditions or limitations); the difficulty of predicting the timing or outcome of regulatory approvals or actions, if any; the possibility that the transaction does not close; risks related to Regenerons ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed acquisition will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period and that Regeneron and Checkmate will not be integrated successfully; the effects of the transaction on relationships with employees, other business partners or governmental entities; negative effects of this announcement or the consummation of the proposed acquisition on the market price of Regenerons or Checkmates common stock and/or Regenerons or Checkmates operating results; significant transaction costs; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the proposed acquisition; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regenerons or Checkmates business and its employees, collaborators, and suppliers and other third parties on which Regeneron and Checkmate rely; Regenerons, Checkmates, and their collaborators ability to continue to conduct research and clinical programs; Regenerons and Checkmates ability to manage their supply chains; Regenerons ability to manage net product sales of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Products); the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of Regenerons Products, product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, Regenerons Product Candidates), and product candidates being developed by Checkmate, such as vidutolimod; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate, and/or their collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; the potential of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist technology discussed in this communication; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron, Checkmate or others and whether mandated or voluntary) on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regenerons Product Candidates and vidutolimod and new indications for Regenerons Products; the ability of Regenerons and Checkmates collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod; the ability of Regeneron and/or its collaborators to manufacture and manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, and vidutolimod in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regenerons ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or Checkmates ability to continue to develop or commercialize vidutolimod; and competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regenerons Products, Regenerons Product Candidates, or vidutolimod. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including their Forms 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the Schedule TO and related tender offer documents to be filed by Regeneron and Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., and the Schedule 14D-9 to be filed by Checkmate, and, if applicable, the proxy statement referenced below. Any forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs and judgments of Regenerons and Checkmates management, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron or Checkmate. Regeneron and Checkmate do not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
The tender offer referenced in this communication has not yet commenced. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of Checkmate, nor is it a substitute for the tender offer materials that Checkmate, Regeneron or its acquisition subsidiary, Scandinavian Acquisition Sub, Inc., will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The solicitation and offer to buy Checkmate stock will only be made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and related tender offer materials that Regeneron intends to file with the SEC. At the time the tender offer is commenced, Regeneron and its acquisition subsidiary will file a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO and thereafter Checkmate will file a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. Under certain circumstances described in the definitive transaction documents, Regeneron may determine to instead to terminate or withdraw the offer and effect the transaction through a merger only, in which case the relevant documents to be filed with the SEC will include a proxy statement for the solicitation of votes of Checkmate stockholders to approve the merger. CHECKMATES STOCKHOLDERS AND OTHER INVESTORS ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND CERTAIN OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS), THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9, AND, IF APPLICABLE, THE PROXY STATEMENT BECAUSE THEY WILL EACH CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF CHECKMATE SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, OR, IF APPLICABLE, VOTING ON THE TRANSACTION. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal, certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement will be made available to all stockholders of Checkmate at no expense to them and will also be made available for free at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting either Regeneron or Checkmate. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Checkmate will be available free of charge on Checkmates website at https://ir.checkmatepharma.com or by contacting Checkmates Investor Relations Department at (617) 682-3625. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Regeneron will be available free of charge on Regenerons website at https://investor.regeneron.com or by contacting Regenerons Investor Relations Department at invest@regeneron.com or (914) 847-7741.
In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, and if applicable, the proxy statement, Regeneron and Checkmate each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports or other information filed by Regeneron or Checkmate at the SEC public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Regenerons and Checkmates filings with the SEC are also available for free to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
If the tender offer is terminated and the transaction is to be effected by merger only, in which case, the approval of Checkmate stockholders must be obtained, Regeneron, Checkmate and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any such solicitation of proxies from Checkmates stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding Regenerons directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC; information regarding Checkmates directors and executive officers is available in its proxy statement that was filed with the SEC. Other information regarding potential participants in any such proxy solicitation will be contained in any proxy statement filed in connection with the transaction.